How do I care for a katana blade?

Handle with care to avoid injury.

1/ Use the microfiber cloth to remove oil from the blade. From the guard (Tsuba 鍔) to the tip (Kissaki 切先), slide the cleaning cloth over the back of the blade (Mune 棟), folding it in half to wrap both sides of the blade.
Lightly squeeze the cloth between thumb and forefinger to surround the blade from above (first illustration).

2/ Once the old oil has been removed, use the uchiko (打粉) and lightly tap along the blade (second illustration).

3/ Use the cloth to lightly polish the blade and remove the powder, in the same direction as the first step (first illustration).

4/ Apply the oil along each side of the blade with the sprayer (or a very soft brush). The oil should be spread thinly and evenly, without excess (first illustration).
Be sure not to touch the blade before replacing it in its sheath (saya 鞘).
Clean the microfiber cloth with soapy water.