Allowing early deterioration of your collectible swords is like throwing all the bucks that you have spent for buying the sword.  But maintaining swords the wrong way may also cause decline in the value of your sword.  That is why, caring for swords is a serious job.

 

• Don’t try sharpening sword

If you have never tried sharpening a sword, don’t attempt doing so to a real sword.  Leave the experts do the job, especially when you want your antique sword to get sharpened. Antique sword value may decrease with improper honing.

In caring swords like the Katana, a more specific sword care and maintenance routine is actually necessary:

 

A functional Katana gets a lot of cutting job done.  Most serious collectors of the Japanese sword want to live up to the Samurai spirit and make use of their katanas often…by doing some test cutting in their backyard – from cutting paper to slicing rolled bamboo mats (tameshigiri).

 

If so, do not keep the sword back to its saya unclean.  Cleaning it is not very tedious anyway.

 

It is highly suggested, if not required, to any sword owner to have a sword maintenance kit. With the kit in hand, you have the right cleaning paraphernalia necessary for the sensitive nature of a katana blade.

 

• Do not clean the tang within the handle (tsuka), better yet, do not even open the tsuka at all.  The tang is very essential in determining the age and value of your katana sword. If you clean it, you can possibly decrease the worth of your sword.

 

• Do not ever try to sharpen your samurai katana sword.  It takes a skillful person in sharpening swords and one needs some specialized tools for that.  Abrasive sharpeners and grinding wheels are a big NO.

 

• DO not use other metal polishers or oils not intended for a Katana blade.  This will cause irreparable damage and definitely, endless regret. In far flung areas of Japan, oiling sword is done every three months.  Before every application, the sword is wiped with a soft, clean cloth.

 

Do keep all these sword care and maintenance tips in mind and lengthen the life of your collectible swords.