Sword Cleaning

Before you start make sure you have all the equipment needed at hand. You will need some pieces of clean nuguigami (wiping paper), oiling cloth, choji oil (sword oil), and uchiko (cleaning powder). Cleaning is best done kneeling down or seated at a table.

Carefully remove the saya from the sword, and place it down. Check the blade for damage from previous use, also take time to check the tsuka (handle) paying particular care to notice the ito (wrap) for signs of ware, also visualy check the mekugi (peg) for signs of damage or looseness.

Holding the sword in your left hand select a clean piece of nuguigami (wiping paper) and, keeping your hand at the mune (back) side, wipe any old oil etc from the blade. Always wipe from habaki (collar) to kissaki (tip).

Apply uchicko (cleaning powder) allong the shinogi, mune (back) and the shinogi on the other side of the blade. Selecting a fresh piece of nuguigami (wiping paper), remove the uchiko (cleaning powder) in a similar maner to the previous step. With the old oil and dirt removed, this is the best time to admire the qualities of the steel.

Oil the blade using your oiling cloth. Apply a few drops of oil to a previously oiled cloth and use this to lightly coat the blade with oil, ensuring the entire blade surface is covered.

Return the saya back onto the sword.