I dont Have katanna oil....andy substitutes i can use?

Question

i bought a prety cheap katana, adn what do you know, rusting near the hilt....any oil i can use instead of regular katana oil which i dont have readily avalible???

Answer 1

Choji or clove oil is actually inexpensive and complete sword-care kits are available on the internet.

Do not use silver polish or any metal cleaner which has any type of abrasive in it.

Do not ever use a power buffing wheel on ANY part of the sword or its fittings. The heat may cause the blade to lose temper and thus destroy any value the blade may have. Also, buffers over-shine the blade. The Japanese sword blade was never intended to have a mirror polish.

Answer 2

WD40

Answer 3

Mushin is dead on the money here, Choji or clove oil are both relatively inexpensive and get the job done. There are several good cleaning kits available on line as well.

In a pinch 3 in1 oil will work to clean and protect your swords.

Answer 4

The blood of a fallen foe. . .

Answer 5

Clove oil is the first choice.

Answer 6

3 in 1 will work.  you can use Brasso or Noxon 7 to get the rust off.  I put Turtle Wax on any of my carbon steel blades when I train with them.  The wax keeps the rust causing oils from my skin from damaging my swords.

If you want to go the more traditional route, search online and buy a sword treatment kit online.  Most sites that sell good swords will sell them.

Answer 7

ROTFL .... power buffer wheel ............

Answer 8

pure mineral oil is actually the best.

the only reason people use choji oil is because it is "traditional", choji oil is mostly mineral oil with cloves put in because way back in feudal japan mrs. samurai could have made a huge mistake by putting the scentless "mineral oil" and using it for cooking instead of cooking oil leading to a hugely funny but disturbing and embarrasing situation for mr. samurai.

so they put a bit of clove in the mineral oil so you can smell it and tell the difference by the distinct smell.

mineral oil is actually BETTER for your sword- but if you want to be traditional then go for the slightly more expensive choji oil- you can probalby pick up a bottle of good mineral oil in bulk for a few dollars at any pharmacy.

if its "cheap" is the katana even needing to be oiled?

the "FAKE" stainless steel katanas don't need to be oiled, they are not real swords and will not rust.

here are some articles and links about katanas and thier make to tell- odds are if you spent under $800 you either got a HUGE break and just lucked out and got one off ebay for cheap (you can get them for a few hundred cheaper if you know what you are doing and are lucky) OR the more likely scenario is that you were ripped off and purchased what we refer to as a "wallhanger". a decorative sword-like object that is not meant for use in cutting, study, practice or anything except hanging on your wall to look pretty.

helpfull links and interesting reading for you:

steels used in japanese swords:

http://swordforum.com/sfu/japanese/moder...

heat treatment:

http://swordforum.com/sfu/primer/heattre...

sword misconceptions:

http://swordforum.com/sfu/primer/thebest...

famous movie swords:

http://swordforum.com/sfu/primer/moviesw...

everyone's favorite video of what happens when you use a wallhanger (stainless steel).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s0dRcdyi...

EDIT: many brands of gun oil also work well.

Answer 9

Bluto's hit the nail on the head.

I use denatured alcohol to clean the blade of any old oil, and then use a very light coat of mineral oil.  I do usually add a few drops of clove oil (available in your grocery store) for tradition's sake, but that's not necessary if your budget's tight.