[FallenxAngel66]

I bought a sword a while back. I've been wiping the blade with cloth/tissue to clean it, but I was wondering if putting alcohol or something on it could damage the blade. If you can think of anything I can use to clean the blade, your suggestions would be appreciated.

[Wilhelm von Wankenstein]

What kind of sword is it and what kind of steel is the blade?

Whatever it is, though, don't use alcohol - it's an ionic compound like water, but far, far more reactive. Any reaction that takes place in water takes place in alcohol also, but at a much faster rate, which means that it could oxidise your blade something awful if you apply it on random basis. Funny thing is, the samurai used sake to sterilise their swords ritually, but that's a different story.

Oil is the best substance for blade cleaning. Sword enthusiasts generally use mineral oils and special powder grits, although plant oils work also. If it's a good quality blade, you should invest in at least a basic sword-cleaning kit with instructions on how to use it - it will make sure your blade stays in good working condition for a long time to come.

Hope this helps as a primer. You can always approach our resident sword enthusiasts (Setsu, Bamboo and Arjun) for more indepth information.

[FallenxAngel66]

I think it's a katana made out of Japanese steel. So vegetable/olive oil would work? And if yes, should I use with a cloth? Does it matter how rough/soft the cloth is?

[setsu nin to]

You have to buy special set for cleaning and separating sword on the parts. Thats the only thing that you have to use for now. First you separate it on the parts and than ou clean it. I cant belive that someone sell it to you widouth saying that. I will look on the net later where you may buy it.

[Wilhelm von Wankenstein]

http://www.mantisswords.com/stands.htm

Mantis Swords sells Hanwei cleaning kits at the link above. I don't know if they come with the instructional booklet, but a sword-cleaning FAQ shouldn't be too hard to find. Worse come to worst, we can ask our resident sword aficionados to write one

[Brian King]

Clove Oil works great.

See you on the floor soon
Friends
Brian King

[lakan_sampu]

O, I thought it was a Filipino blade...Anyway..many people here use water in cleaning and sharpening our native itaks,kris and the likes...anything wrong with that? I think they're made of iron or so....anyway...any thoughts?

cheers comrades!

[setsu nin to]

Here I finde something for you

http://www.bushidojapaneseswords.com/booksupplies2.HTM