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Post by oolong dao on Jun 8, 2012 15:33:15 GMT
after i started looking into getting my first one i did research and discovered that katana need a lot of proper care and i don't think i know how to do any of it correctly, however i remember hearing that the reason that ka-bars come painted is because it prevents the same issues that all the tedious oiling does.
so does anyone have any advice on the matter? I was thinking a black matte paint job so it matches the sword but dont know how to go about it.
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Post by ineffableone on Jun 8, 2012 16:16:14 GMT
Sword maintenance is not all that much work really. If you have been cutting, you wipe the blade with a dry cloth regularly. Since usually your cutting something wet like water bottles, water soaked bamboo mats, etc. When your done with your cutting you simply wipe down the blade with rubbing alcohol, then oil with light mineral oil. Really not a big chore to give your blade a quick cleaning before putting it away. It is also a time to go over the blade checking for any damage from the cutting. Looking for chips, dings, rolls, sets, etc. If your not cutting, then an oiling lasts, at least a month if not more. Many swords could be oiled only once a year if they are not used but just displayed. You can find some cheaper ninja styled swords with the black coating, but really you don't need a black coating to protect your steel. Just a little time that really is not tedious but a very good habit to take with your sword. It is time you go over your blade making sure it is sharp, not damaged, and the steel is protected. There are plenty of threads here on how to properly maintain your katana, or any sword. It really only takes a few minutes, and you don't need any super special katana maintenance kit, like the ones they sell all over. The only part of those kits that is really useful is the mekugi hammer, used to free the mekugi pins when dissembling the katana. Which is not something you need to do all the time even. You can buy these hammers separate or use your own improvised hammer and pin. You don't need the special Uchiko powder ball especially since most cheap kits are not the real powder (ground up finger polishing stones) but talc powder. 99% rubbing alcohol works just fine is readily available and is cheap. The special oil in the kits choji oil is just light mineral oil with a little clove oil added to give it a distinct smell. Your better off using a light mineral oil of your own it is easier to get and much cheaper. Sewing machine oil is much cheaper and fairly easy to find. Beware of pharmacy mineral oil as most of it is heavy mineral oil not the right type for oiling your sword. You can also use gun oils, 3-1 oil or other oils that are mostly light mineral oil. Sewing machine oil tends to be the easiest light mineral oil with no dyes etc in it (so not to stain clothes while sewing) and is sold in high quantity for fairly cheap. Hope this helps
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jhart06
Member
Slowly coming back from the depths...
Posts: 3,292
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Post by jhart06 on Jun 8, 2012 16:31:17 GMT
Also, that coating will rub or scratch off pretty quick with use.
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Post by oolong dao on Jun 8, 2012 17:20:59 GMT
what does the oil protect from actually?
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Post by johnwalter on Jun 8, 2012 17:25:37 GMT
Rust,oxidation.
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Post by MOK on Jun 14, 2012 11:55:05 GMT
Like John said, oxidation. It forms a thin layer that stops air and moisture from getting to the steel, and thus prevents stains and rust. The key word there is thin, BTW - too much oil just gathers and traps dust, and dust particles carry enough moisture to rust carbon steel. All you really need to do is wipe the blade dry and clean when you're done using it, and then wipe it with an oily rag - you'll get one with time, just let all the excess oil accumulate in the rag you use to spread it on the blade and never wash it, it'll be perfect. To start with, just put a couple of drops of oil on each flat of the blade and rub it around, making sure to spread it everywhere. And try not to cut yourself. Blood, sweat and the salty fats on your skin will also rust a blade like nobody's business.
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