| Blades, whether they're Stainless or High Carbon | | | | important for our skin, is acid for your blade. I can |
| Steel, have two main enemies. Moisture and | | | | not stress this enough...Do not touch the blade |
| human oils, and need to be protected from both. | | | | with your skin! Hands, fingers, toes, mouth, butt, |
| Moisture; This is the culprit that will rust your | | | | and/or any other part of your body! It will etch |
| sword. More susceptible is your carbon swords, | | | | the blade! I know...we all want to touch the |
| but contrary to common belief, your stainless | | | | blade...that hidden worrier in us all wants that |
| swords are not immune. | | | | connection...but fight him! |
| Swords should never be stored for long periods | | | | Carbon Swords; That thin layer of oil you have on |
| of time in their sheath. Moisture can build up and | | | | the sword will help protect it from the human oils, |
| be trapped in a sheath, especially if stored in a | | | | but it is not a force field. If you touch the |
| damp place. If a sword must be stored in a | | | | blade...OK...when you touch the blade...and after |
| sheath for a prolonged period of time it must be | | | | your friends touch the blade. Wipe the blade down |
| oiled. Don't be stingy with that oil either, load it up | | | | thoroughly and then clean it and re-oil it. Don't wait |
| or you just might have an unpleasant surprise the | | | | to long to do it either...no room for procrastinating |
| next time you draw that sword. Remember, it | | | | here...Carbon sword etch quickly! |
| wipes off. We suggest gun oil for this purpose, | | | | Stainless Steel Swords; Yes, these are susceptible |
| which can be purchased in many sporting goods | | | | too. Although it will take a much longer time for |
| stores, hunting supply stores, and of corse, gun | | | | the human oils to etch the blade, they still will. |
| shops. If possible it should be stored in a cool dry | | | | Again After everyone has gotten touching the |
| place as well. Even with these precautions, check | | | | blade out of there system, wipe it down and |
| on your sword regularly. | | | | clean it. |
| When displaying your sword, keep a light coat of | | | | What is etching? Picture your finger print |
| oil on your carbon swords to protect them and | | | | permanently engraved on the blade. Because that |
| do not display in a damp area. Stainless swords | | | | is what will happen. |
| are much lower maintenance and only require that | | | | Cleaning; Any metal or brass cleaner that you can |
| you clean them periodically, and that you wipe | | | | purchase in a hardware store will do fine. Simply |
| them off with a soft cloth now and then. | | | | follow the directions for the product that you |
| Human Oils; This nasty stuff that is Oh so | | | | purchase. |