Gear

Exploring martial gear and equipment, especially arms and armor.

Blade Safety

Some rules of thumb about handling blades.

• If you are handing your blade to someone who does not know how to handle a blade, then it is your responsibility to tell them.
• If you hand a blade to someone, then give them the hilt or scabbard first.
• Never touch the blade with your bare hands because moisture, salt, and body oils are bad for the blade.
• If inspecting the blade perpendicularly, then hold the hilt with one hand and use the scabbard, sleeve, a cloth, or the like to support the blade. If you have none of that then use your (gasp!) thumbnail at the blade.
• Do not breath or even come close to breathing on the blade.
• Do not point the blade at other people unless you have full intent to do so.
• When waiting around with a blade (esp. during class), do not flourish it or point it in odd directions. Put it down, keep it sheathed, or hold it with point down or up.
• Avoid laying your blade on the ground where it can pick up dirt, moisture, etc.

Blade Maintenance

• Do not allow your blade to rust or have the possibility of rusting. At least wipe it dry after using it.
• Blade maintenance should be done every 2 weeks during usage. During periods of non-usage, once every 6 months is fine.
• The Japanese sword maintenance process is basically as follows:
  1. Wipe with nuguigami paper (or a cloth) to remove old oil.
  2. Apply uchiko (whetstone powder) from a cloth sack.
  3. Wipe to remove more oil.
  4. Swipe with new abura (aka choji) applied with abura-nugishi paper (or a different cloth).
• Recommended oils:
  • Choji is 99% mineral oil and 1% clove oil for scent.
  • Mineral oil is a great oil for blade care. FYI: Baby oil is mineral oil with perfume.
  • Some people also use olive oil but olive oils may vary.
  • Some people use gun oil.
  • I do not recommend WD-40.
  • Some people store their swords with Renaissance Wax (like many museums).
• Do not store your blade in a sheath or scabbard since that may trap moisture on the blade.
• If you must remove rust from a blade, use a fine grit sand paper (such as 400 or greater) or bone.
• Unless you are a professional, do not do sharpen or remove rust from an antique blade because you will reduce its integrity and worth.
• Unless you are a professional, do not sharpen you blade.

2007-10-16 01:18:15Z