Choji Oil on Nihonto

[CoastieMike]

How often should I use traditional powder and choji oil on nihonto if it’s just for display? Also, is it fine to use choji oil on nakago and say tsuba?

 

Mike

[nagamaki - Franco]

Go to the ninonto forum and use the search box at the top of the page inserting the words "uchiko" and "oil", there you'll find many discussions on these topics. 

 

Thank you.

[raynor]

Yep, read those links. In short, NO oil on nakago and tsuba, ever. Regarding the nakago it's not that simple if we consider future generations but leave it til you know what you're doing.

 

Microfiber cloth >>> uchiko powder unless you are literally wiping off the coagulated blood and guts of your enemies..

[nagamaki - Franco]

Yep, read those links. In short, NO oil on nakago and tsuba, ever. Regarding the nakago it's not that simple if we consider future generations but leave it til you know what you're doing.

 

It's ok to use oil on the nakago, use a clean soft absorbent cloth to remove all excess. DO NOT RUB!

Also, if there are any lacquer attributions on the nakago, I would not apply and completely avoid putting any oil on those kinds of features. And, when in doubt don't!

[Oshy]

By display, do you mean display within shirasaya as opposed to bare blade?

[Ken-Hawaii]

Mike, Welcome to NMB. Please read & heed https://to-ken.uk/resources/sword%20etiquette.html although the use of uchiko has become somewhat of a no-no (http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/16936-uchiko-considered-harmful/).

 

Your blade should always have a very light film of choji oil o protect from rust, but be careful that there isn't so much that it runs into the saya.

[David Flynn]

Tsubaki is the best oil to use.

[jeremy]

I also have started using tsubaki oil on my swords. David, what makes you say it's the best oil out of interest?

Cheers

Jeremy

[Ken-Hawaii]

There have been quite a few studies by our members on this topic, Jeremy, so do a quick search.

[jeremy]

Hey Ken, search function came up with heaps of oils that people use, I couldn't find a post which had the technical differences of tsubaki and choji oil. Is there a big difference in using either one?

[Gakusee]

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/16521-nihonto-oil-a-study-part-2/?hl=derek&do=findComment&comment=172040

[jeremy]

Fantastic find! Thanks for that