An Old Chestnut....cleaning

[Windy]

Sorry to possibly be dragging up an old chestnut, and by no means want to kick off an argument.

 

However, having done a number of searches on here and other sources on the net, I'm still somewhat none the wiser.....in particular with regards to products available here in the UK.

 

So....without further a do, I'll get to the point....

 

I recently invested in a very interesting sword by Akihisa, dated Dec 1941. The previous custodian very kindly cleaned and oiled it prior to my collection. I'm aware he used some pukka choji oil from Japan. I don't have any cleaning/care products as yet, apart from new micro-fibre cloths.

So, should I go to the trouble of sourcing traditional Japanese products from afar, or can I rely on more readily available products here in the UK?

 

Will welcome any advice.

Thanks

[ROKUJURO]

Matt,

it is good to ask before the action! You will find good advice in the FAQ, Care and Maintenance. 

Have fun with your blades!

[RobertM]

Hi Matt, if your near London try: Don Bayney 

 

http://www.graysantiques.com/dealerDetail.php?dealer=95

[PNSSHOGUN]

Honestly Matt,high quality microfibre and alcohol is all you need. Oil is up in the air, I just stick with choji but different people will advise different things.

[Geraint]

Well this is going to sound a bit weird but..........I have a respectable wakizashi in koshirae which I like but the previous owner used machine oil and every time a take it out of the saya that's what I smell.  On the other hand the fragrance of choji oil on a blade adds something to the experience for me.  As it's not going to make much difference the extra expense is surely worth it.  No?

 

All you need from Kevin here, http://www.ryujinswords.com/care.htm if Don can't help you.

 

All the best.

[Windy]

Many thanks guys.

Have bought some choji from one of the links....had only seen it on eBay before, which I try to avoid.