How do I care for a katana blade?

Practical info #Terressens

Maintenance of a sword or saber is necessary to prevent oxidation (rust). Old oil must be removed and replaced with a film of new oil.

Maintenance kit

Maintenance kit

Publication date : April 12, 2009

Last update : February 25, 2024

Maintenance kit for katana (shinken) blade #Terressens

The maintenance kit (御刀手入具) usually consists of the following items:
Microfiber cloth: for cleaning, spreading oil and polishing the blade.
Uchiko (打粉): a ball of finely ground chalk (chalk powder) wrapped in a ball of cloth. Intended for cleaning the blade's surface, the powder passes through the envelope when tapped, allowing it to be sprinkled over the blade's steel.
Oil (御刀油): applied as a thin film, it protects against oxidation.
Mukugi(x 2): pins (bamboo dowels 目釘) that hold the blade and handle (tsuka 柄) together.
Pin driver (Mekugi Nuki): small brass hammer with a screwed-in pin for removing mekugi (can be replaced by nu pin driver ø 8 mm).
Maintenance does not require disassembly, but if you need to remove the handle (tsuka 柄), replace the pins.

Figure 1: Cleaning the blade with a microfiber cloth

Figure 2: Tapping the Uchiko on the blade to deposit limestone powder

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.

📌 Also read: Restoring the oxidized blade of a sword or katana (practical tip #Terressens)

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