How to Clean and Maintain an Iaito Katana

Ancient Samurai warriors were famous for their legendary weapons; swords known as katanas. Katanas are known for their curved blade and were sharp enough to slice through an opponent with a single strike. They were often tested on condemned criminals or corpses, to ensure that the blade could make a clean cut. Today, they are used in forms or cutting competitions. To practice their skills with a katana, martial artists use a type of sword known as an iaito. An iaito is identical to a katana in form, but lacks the sharpened blade so that the wielder can safely practice. To keep an iaito or katana looking and functioning its best, it needs to be cleaned every two or three months.

Things You'll Need

  • Mekugi-nuki (sword pick)
  • Uchiko
  • Cloths or tissue paper
  • Oil
  • Kerosene
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the sword from the scabbard with the blade pointing up toward the ceiling. This is a safe way to handle the sword and prevent it from becoming scratched.

    • 2

      Loosen the sword pin with the hammer side of a mekugi nuki pick. Remove the pin completely with the pick. Pull the blade from the hilt. Gently hit the hilt with the side of your fist if the blade is too tight. It will slide out little by little.

    • 3

      Hold the bottom of the blade, or tang, with the edge of the blade facing away from you. Wipe the blade with a soft cloth, with your hand moving along the back, or dull, side of the blade.

    • 4

      Dust a light layer of powder onto each side of the blade. Use a uchiko tool to do this. Wipe the powder off of the blade with a second clean cloth or piece of tissue paper.

    • 5

      Put oil onto a cloth or tissue paper and wipe both sides of the blade to prevent rust. Be careful not to add too much oil. Dripping oil can ruin the scabbard and the hilt. Remove the oil with kerosene after a few moments to avoid staining.

    • 6

      Place the blade back into the hilt. Tap the bottom of the hilt to ensure that the tang is fully reinserted. Replace the sword pin to secure the blade. Return the sword to its scabbard.