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Post by buffaloswordfan on Feb 4, 2017 12:47:39 GMT
How long is it possible to keep a sword and have it show no signs of aging?
I think the longest I ever owned any sword was three years. But I was wondering what is possible?
If I ever get a really high end sword, like a barta or powning, I'm going to want to preserve that for a very long time.
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LeMal
Member
Posts: 1,091
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Post by LeMal on Feb 4, 2017 13:45:45 GMT
Using it, as in test cutting, or just displaying? With just "dust" cleaning, I have an Arms & Armor Cavalier Rapier of a good 20 years old that's certainly pristine. And a couple Windlass pieces of over thirty years old, well-used but well-cleaned, pretty close to new-looking.
Based on antiques that have never been extensively used, that's not even close to how long something could go and look virtually new though.
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Post by buffaloswordfan on Feb 4, 2017 14:24:22 GMT
Using it, as in test cutting, or just displaying? With just "dust" cleaning, I have an Arms & Armor Cavalier Rapier of a good 20 years old that's certainly pristine. And a couple Windlass pieces of over thirty years old, well-used but well-cleaned, pretty close to new-looking. Based on antiques that have never been extensively used, that's not even close to how long something could go and look virtually new though. That is very encouring news. I was thinking 10 years might be a good run with the best of care and display only. Glad to hear they can go a lot longer than that.
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Post by Croccifixio on Feb 4, 2017 14:39:11 GMT
You have Japanese katana and tachi that are hundreds of years old and still look brand new. Good maintenance can keep a swords beyond your lifetime. Go have a look at Verity's collection. He has an inherited Prussian Artillery sword (I think 1861 or 73) that looks like it was bought yesterday.
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pgandy
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Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Feb 4, 2017 14:42:23 GMT
Presently since living in the tropics a katana that I bought at least 10 years ago. Prior to that in another part of the world a WWII katana that I had for 40+ years. I did store that one in a gun safe using LPS3, light bulb, and desiccant.
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Post by Verity on Feb 4, 2017 21:34:18 GMT
I have antiques hundreds of years old... I also have many modern swords decades old and doing fine
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Post by Verity on Feb 4, 2017 23:49:41 GMT
You have Japanese katana and tachi that are hundreds of years old and still look brand new. Good maintenance can keep a swords beyond your lifetime. Go have a look at Verity's collection. He has an inherited Prussian Artillery sword (I think 1861 or 73) that looks like it was bought yesterday. Yep. My family saber is pretty much pristine... for its age, has an edge nick or two from use in battle and some minor rust from my father's tenure with it that I arrested and keep abated now. I also have a few Japanese swords hundreds of years old and they are in fine polish and look nearly mint.
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