How to Clean a Sharp Sword

Please always use caution when cleaning/handling a sharp sword!! Complacency when doing maintenance causes serious injuries. I strongly recommend using cut proof gloves for this process.

The products I used were not sponsored in anyway, and are my personal choice. I’ve had great results using M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner, and I have used gun oils, and even some types of motor oil to store the blade after cleaning. There are lots of options for cleaners and oils. Always do a small spot test on the blade for 24hrs before using a new product or test it on a similar type of steel first. Read and follow the instructions for any product you use.

Use the finest grit sand block or paper that you can find. The finer, the better. Finer will take longer but it is less likely to damage the blade in the end. Again, if you’re unsure, test it on similar steel or in an inconspicuous spot on the blade first before going to town on it. Scratch damage on the blade is hard to reverse so don’t be hasty with this step.

Remember: moisture causes rust, oil will help block out moisture. Clean the sword first before oiling it for storage. Oil can trap moisture underneath itself if the blade is not clean and dry first. If it does happen, in most cases this is minor and easily reversible.

This type of maintenance is not required super often, I maybe do this once or twice a year unless I’ve made a mistake and didn’t clean it fully before putting it away.

[v_fencer]

I am not sure why, but something about tender talking while cleaning a sword really relaxes one. HEMA ASMR when? 🤭

[lokuzt]

Oh! I had no idea that "never dull" existed, I usually just smear a little dab of brasso. (Also that trick of fine sandpaper foam block... would have been useful. I circled instead of just going with the grain and messed up the mirror finish on one of mine)

[TurulHEMA]

This was a helpful video, thank you! The audio was quite quiet though for future reference.

[keving]

I've hit my BOB with wooden, synthetic, and blunt steel training longswords for three years now. He takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

[Right_Hand_Of_Death]

I've heard flitz is pretty good at keeping the blade clean and clear. I use WD-40 as well though. 😂

[staefvonrundstedt]

Great video! To recap, when polishing your blade: 1) use the right chemical lubricants; 2) rub lengthwise in an up and down motion; 3) wipe up left-over moisture and residue with a clean towelette. Got it!

[andrewsock]

I find wd40 causes rust on swords and guns. I believe wd40 is water based oil.
You should use some good gun oil. Rusty duck gun oil also causes rust.
Use a non gumming oil.
Even 3 in 1 oil is better.

Also never store your sword in or on foam. It will trap atmospheric moisture against the blade. The best place to store a sword or gun is 5-6ft up on a wall. The humidity is least and most constant at that hight.
Hope this helps reduce your rust removal time spent.

I use fluid film and it smells good too. It’s very thick and protects from rust better than anything I’ve tried. It’s in a spray can too. Most oils like wD40 and rusty duck gun oil in spray cans cause rust. Fluid film is good and is a wool wax formula. It’s the longest lasting coat you can apply.
I use wd40 to clean off the dirt and then wipe clean and apply “Fluid Film” 👍
If you can, store the blade so it’s not touching anything. The sword oxidation will be uneven if you leave it on egg foam, blocking oxygen from some round spots but not others, as seen on your blade.

[scottmacgregor]

A few small reminders for folks watching.

Cleaning, drying, and oiling your blade propery, especially after cutting water bottles and soaked tatami, means you will have less corrosion (rust) or discoloration to take off. Every time you take metal polish or sandpaper to your weapon, you are taking off material.

My preferred oil is food grade mineral oil, but I know some pretty experienced people that swear by cheap transmission fluid.

WD40 is a good cleaner, but it is more a solvent than anything. Don't try to use it as your oil barrier.