Sword Maintenance

Care & Feeding of your Badger Blade

We are of the opinion that a sword should be a lifetime, even a generational, investment. Maintaining a regular, light coat of oil and wiping off of fingerprints from the blade should keep it rust free. If your sword sees a mantle more than a scabbard, take it down and oil it at least once every few months. Dry environments will allow some leeway in this, moister climates may require more frequent care. We recommend Choji oil; It's the same formula the Japanese have used for hundreds of years and there's very good reason for this.

 If you don't have Choji, a dab of mineral oil, light machine oil, gun oil, 3-in-1 oil, even sewing machine oil. Motor oil will work if there is nothing else available, but be sure to avoid corrosive oils. Petroleum based oils are messy, stinky, and hard to clean up if you get some on you, your clothes, etc.. Choji washes out of clothing easily, and smells pleasant; if you've ever been in our booth or tent at a Ren Faire, that's where the distinct scent of our booth comes from. It's very affordable and well worth the investment. When oiling your sword, you only need as squirt or two of Choji on a rag to wipe the blade with. You should have just enough oil on the blade to where you can see or feel that's just slightly wet. If using another type of oil, put a few drops on each side of the blade, then wipe it off with a rag. Over time, shiny blades and brass may darken, or patina. If this is is distressing to you a quality metal polish (silver polish is not appropriate, it’s for a very soft metal) like Brasso or Never Dull should return the sword's brass fittings to it's original lustre and there are other polishes out there that will shine up the blade. Not that our customers would ever be guilty of neglect, buth should rust and age make your blade old before it's time, we will happily restore it's youth and vigor for a fee.

If you have light rust on an All Steel blade or on the steel fittings, a spray of Choji on the affected area should take care of it. Just give it a squirt or two, let it soak in for a minute or so, then wipe it vigorously with a rag and it should come right off. For more stubborn rust, use 000 steel wool. Get plain steel wool and not Brillo Pads, they have soap which can break down or remove the oil. Again, spray the affected area with a little Choji, let it soak in for a minute, then rub the rusted area with a steel wool pad and it should come right off. Our Brushed or High Polish blades require more professional care if they have been allowed to rust.

For those of you using your blades frequently, edge nicks should be sharpened out as soon as they are noticed, and the situation allows. Nicks will eventually develop into breaking points if the blade continues smashing into things. Deeper gouges may require professional attention. We provide edge dressing for a fee.

With proper care and feeding your Badger Blade should outlast you. Just a few minutes every week or two will ensure your blade stays in excellent shape for many years to come.