How to Clean a Katana

Proper maintenance of functional katanas is essential to ensure its longevity and functionality. As a high-carbon steel blade, the katana requires specialized care to prevent rust and maintain its structural integrity.

This guide provides a straightforward approach to cleaning, oiling, and storing your samurai sword, offering best practices to help you preserve its quality over time.

First-Time Maintenance

When you receive your new katana, you might want to touch the blade to feel its sharpness or even perform some cutting tests. Once you finish, it is important to clean the blade properly to keep it in good condition.

Most swords come oiled from the factory. The first maintenance step is recommended right after you receive the sword (if you don’t plan on doing cutting tests right away). Remove the old factory oil and apply fresh oil.

If you plan to test your katana, there’s no need to oil it beforehand. Simply wait until you’re done testing, then clean the blade and apply fresh oil.

How Often Should You Clean Your Katana

If you haven’t used your sword, cleaning it every 3 to 4 months is sufficient. The most important thing is to clean it right after each use, regardless of what you’re cutting, whether it’s tatami, bamboo, liquid bottles or anything else.

If you store your katana in a humid place, make sure to check it regularly and clean it more often to prevent rust.

Things You Should Avoid When Cleaning

Touching the Blade with Bare Hands

The natural oils from your skin can lead to corrosion. Always avoid direct contact with the blade, and use gloves or handle it by the handle only.

Over-Oiling

Over oiling the blade can oxidize the blade or even deteriorate the scabbard from the inside. Apply a light, even coat of oil instead.

How to Clean a Katana- Step by Step

If your Japanese sword came with a maintenance kit, follow the steps in this guide for cleaning. If you don’t have one, you can easily order a katana maintenance kit online and, after you get it, get back to following the steps.

1. Preparation

Before beginning the cleaning process, ensure you have all the necessary tools at hand. You’ll need choji oil (or a suitable blade oil), uchiko (fine polishing powder), nuguigami (cleaning paper), and a soft cleaning cloth.

2. Clean the Blade

First, grab some nuguigami or a clean, soft cloth. Carefully wipe down the blade to remove any old oil, dust, or residue. Start from the base of the blade and work your way towards the tip, using a gentle, consistent motion.

3. Apply Uchiko Powder

Next, take the uchiko ball and lightly tap it along the length of the blade.

4. Remove the Powder

Now, use another clean cloth or a fresh piece of nuguigami to wipe off the uchiko powder. Make sure to use smooth, even strokes so the blade ends up completely clean and free of any particles.

5. Apply Oil

Apply a small amount of choji oil directly onto the blade or onto the cloth you’re using. Spread the oil evenly along the entire length of the blade, from the base to the tip, using gentle, consistent strokes.

6. Store the Katana Properly

Once cleaned and oiled, place the katana back in its saya (scabbard). Always do this gently to prevent any nicks or scratches to the blade.

Store the katana horizontally with the edge facing up to reduce pressure on the edge and prevent dulling. This helps maintain the sharpness and balance of the blade.

Keep the katana in a cool, dry environment away from humidity, as moisture can lead to rust. If your environment is humid, consider placing silica gel packs near the katana to absorb excess moisture and maintain a stable atmosphere.

Disassemble the Katana (Optional)

If you want a thorough cleaning, disassemble the katana by carefully removing the mekugi, the bamboo peg that holds the blade in place. Use a mekugi-nuki (peg removal tool) to gently tap the peg out of the tsuka (handle).

Once the mekugi is removed, gently slide the blade out of the handle. Ensure your grip is firm and safe, and avoid touching the sharp edge. This step is optional but allows for a more comprehensive cleaning.

Reassemble the Katana (If Disassembled)

Slide the blade back into the tsuka (handle) carefully, and make sure it lines up properly with the mekugi-ana (peg hole). Just make sure it fits securely without having to force it.

Put the mekugi (peg) back into the hole, and if needed, give it a gentle tap with a mekugi-nuki tool to keep it secure. You want to make sure that peg is nice and firm so the blade doesn’t move around in the handle.

Cleaning a Katana Without a Kit: Using Household Items

If you don’t have a proper katana maintenance kit, don’t worry, you can still clean it using common household items. While these aren’t perfect substitutes for traditional tools, they can work effectively to keep your blade in good shape.

Start by gathering a few simple items: a soft, lint-free cloth, some rubbing alcohol, and mineral oil or baby oil. The rubbing alcohol will help to remove any old oil, dirt, or fingerprints on the blade. Just dampen a cloth slightly with alcohol and gently wipe down the blade, being careful to avoid the sharp edge. Make sure the blade is completely dry afterward.

Next, use another clean cloth to apply a very light coating of mineral or baby oil to the blade. This oil will protect the steel from rusting, though it’s not quite as effective as traditional choji oil. Make sure not to use too much oil, just enough to lightly cover the surface.

Using household items for katana maintenance isn’t ideal for the long term, but it’s a practical way to care for your sword when a proper kit isn’t available.

Last Words

If you follow these maintenance steps, your samurai katana will remain in great condition for years to come. Proper cleaning, oiling, and storage might seem like small tasks, but they make all the difference in preserving your weapons beauty and functionality.

These steps can also be applied to any high-carbon steel blade, whether it’s a European sword, a fantasy sword replica, or any similar blade.

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