Cleaning Koshirae and Blades

[Harry]

I just got started collecting Japanese blades and am uncertain how much cleaning, if any, I should do to these pieces. I have been collecting Islamic blades for a couple of years now and I clean those, usually several times. I use silver polish, brass brushes, steel wool, oil and rust remover and am fairly aggressive using them. I think they make the pieces much more attractive when displayed and easier to sell. Not everyone agrees. What are other collectors doing with their Japanese pieces? I’ve been afraid to do anything but lightly oil the blades (but not the tang). TIA for any help!

 

Harry W.

[Ray Singer]

It is very good that you asked here first. Please see the article below.

 

http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

[Ray Singer]

Additionally, rather than using uchiko I strongly recommend that you use a microfiber cloth to remove the old oil before reapplying new oil.

 

https://www.adorama.com/cpcml.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwiN_mBRBBEiwA9N-e_tw6odnwm2ZOjyEGCjjEsrHZIOEQClclLpzt3omRBiEZowAhMICebhoCs_8QAvD_BwE

[Harry]

Thanks Ray! Good advice. My books offer similar advice for blades but say nothing about koshirae. The few pieces I have now look fine and don't need cleaning but eventually I will buy a "bargain" covered in a couple centuries of dust and grime. Is this something left to each collectors own discretion or is the general rule to not clean or "improve" them in any way?

[Geraint]

Dear Harry.

 

The golden rule is don't touch.  Almost all Japanese fittings are deliberately patinated and any cleaning puts them at sever risk of damage.  Once you have understood a lot more about them then you will find recommendations to remove active rust from iron tsuba with small pieces of bone or antler. One member recently posted an iron tusba which he had been carrying around in his jacket pocket wrapped in cloth for a few weeks which seems to help.  Anything in soft metal is best left alone or given to someone who really knows their stuff like Ford Hallam.  For dismounted pieces a very gentle cleaning in hot soapy water with a soft brush is all.

 

From your descriptions of your treatment of your Indo Persian stuff  I think we would all urge you to leave well alone.  If that "bargain" turns up then please do post pictures and ask for advice here, lots of people willing to help.

 

All the best.

[Harry]

Also good advice. Many thanks! I am glad I asked.

[raynor]

For fittings, say shakudo as it shows up quite frequently there can often be grime stuck around raised inlays or chiseled patterns. Either take to a professional or try use lukewarm water with very mild soap like baby wash and scrub very gently with a soft used toothbrush. If it still wont come off after one round of gentle scrubbing just leave it there, not worth the risk damaging the patina imo.

 

I am certain Ford Hallam posted here mentioning that paint strippers will not injure patina and so is safe for use on persistent stuff, but its not safe for you so make sure to study up on that before attempting.

[b.hennick]

I use foaming soap from a spray bottle that is made for kids. It is very gentle. I also use a clean, well-used tooth brush that is soft and has never caused any damage. The foam soap works well on tsuka aito (handle wrap).

[Surfson]

Barry, when you use it on ito (and same too?), how do you rinse it off?  

[b.hennick]

I put some foam on and use the tooth brush to remove dirt. I pat the tsuka dry with paper towel. I do not rinse or put the tsuka in water. 

[raynor]

Is it safe to soak metal fittings in the soap water for a moment to soften up caked hard grime before the toothbrush treatment, or other ways with stuff that wont come off by gently scrubbing?

 

I got a shakudo fuchikashira set with some old set grime around and in between the raised inlays that I've left alone after toothbrush treatment didnt work, but if there is safe ways I am all ears.

[Surfson]

I have had some success with acetone on occasion, but be sure to use a brush with bristles that don't melt in the solvent!  Ford Hallam is the guy to ask though.