how do i keep my swords rust free?

[Pitbullz]

what should i do? should i have it chrome plated? will the plating chip when the sword gets whacked or flexed? (this is a tanto or a saber btw)

[krys]

Why should you want to have it rust free?
Many silat practitioners like to have rusty knives.. adds some damage...

More seriously...
All exposed steel will want to rust. Touching any exposed steel, such as your blade, with your bare hands will leave oils and salts that will eat their way into your blade and eventually leave pits. The best way to avoid this is not to touch the blade and to wipe off the blade if it is touched. It is also a good idea to inspect your swords at least annually to check for new rusty areas and to use fine steel wool or Nev-R-Duil on them. Don't forget to change the oil, too.
They sell some oil to prevent rust, in Divisoria, it works well, can't remember the brand...


Your blade, being steel, will also appreciate regular coats of a clear, non-organic, oil.
This prevents moisture from reaching the blade, as well as giving a nasty sliming to anyone who touches it.
A light oil such as sewing machine oil or gun oil is also usefull. Oil should be changed regularly by wiping the blade with a soft cloth until dry, then applying more.


All the best.

[sercuerdas]

aluminun foil will take most rust off.

[Pitbullz]

krys: oo nga ano...thanks for the reply...i like my sword rust free bec i want it to remain 'pretty'...specially when i will use it sometime next year....i was also thinking of sharpening the edge but then i may not want that and the steel maybe not suited for this...thanks for the suggestion!!! is chrome plating expensive?

sercuerdas: thanks for the aluminum foil tip!!! i was really worried when i saw a 'rust spot' in my blade...

PS: handling of the blade is unavoiable since i will be resting it in my biceps and holding the blade when i practice...i am also looking for a big GOOD quality chinese broadsoard...the weight doesnt matter so long as the blade is thick and a person can still swing it w 1 or both hands and the steel isnt the typoe u see in wushu weapons(lata)and is rigid

[rayfloro]

When I was training with PG Edgar Sulite, he regularly had his balisongs rusty.

I offered to clean and polish it for him........and he said ".........NO, NO, NO......If the cut doesn't kill them, the rust will............."

[one sword]

Did you know that most people get tetinis shots these days. Treat all your blades with respect or they won't respect you. If you you let your knife become worn, it may do the same for you.

[K Williams]

what should i do? should i have it chrome plated? will the plating chip when the sword gets whacked or flexed? (this is a tanto or a saber btw)

Wipe it down occassionally with a TuffCloth, or oil it with a gun oil like RemOil or Break Free.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/sto...TRY+TUF-CLOTH? & TUF-GLIDE? LIQUID

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/sto...REMINGTON+REM? OIL

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=1683&title=BREAK-FREE+CLP