I wonder about my last two tsuba

[dimitri]

hello, I just received my last two Tsuba and I wanted to have your opinion? Should I try to clean them or should I leave them as they are? it's especially with all the gold inlays, I'm afraid to remove them or even damage the tsubas.
I thank you in advance.

 

 

[dimitri]

Just now, dimitri said:

hello, I just received my last two Tsuba and I wanted to have your opinion? Should I try to clean them or should I leave them as they are? it's especially with all the gold inlays, I'm afraid to remove them or even damage the tsubas.
I thank you in advance.

 

[Spartancrest]

They look in good order to me, just use a soft cotton cloth to remove any dust but really they look just fine! 

[dimitri]

thank you very much, on one especially there is a little rust or dust, with a cotton swab maybe. But thanks for your response.

[Spartancrest]

10 hours ago, dimitri said:

there is a little rust

For a small patch of rust you can use something like a bamboo tooth pick or a bone awl or ivory but be most careful near any inlay or nunome. You need to stay away from those areas as much as possible. I know it can be difficult, the rust often has a habit of building up right next to the parts you need to avoid. 

 

Just as an example of bone awls - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/225507029530  I am sure you can find something in France or make your own from a piece of cow bone. The bone will remove red rust but won't destroy the patina or damage the metal. Sometimes when the rust is over a larger flat surface a 'spatula' shape can remove more at one time than a needle point version

 

PS . Welcome to NMB 

[dimitri]

Thank you very much for your answer and your link. 

[dimitri]

@Spartancrest  I found an ivory sewing punch. It should arrive at the beginning of the next week. I will do everything slowly as you explained to me. Thanks again. 

[dimitri]

hello and thank you, I started very slowly, with a lot of patience, I'm happy with the results but there is still a lot of rust dust. but thank you, I have a lot of work to do on those too.

[dimitri]

[dimitri]

if you want more information, do not hesitate. I myself think I would ask for more information.

[Gunome]

Hello,

 

Nice tsuba, I prefer the first one !

I would let them as is. They are in good condition.

Nice collection !

 

 

[dimitri]

thank you very much, I managed to remove and even make appear gold lines with my toothbrush and soap. I only have the quantities of linseed oil and white spirits left to remove and stop the rust. but I'm happy, I'm just starting to keep tsuba, I have a weakness for swords.