Aegon the Conqueror and the kings after him wielded Blackfyre, a Valyrian steel sword, until Aegon IV gave it to his bastard son Daemon on his attainment of knighthood at the age 12 (TSS: 111, 137)
Sword Maintenance
We get questions from time to time about sword maintenance. This post will henceforth serve as a location for such information.
Presently we make swords out of three materials, maintenance needs will depend on the material.
Stainless Steel
If your sword is made from stainless steel, such as Longclaw or Ice it needs almost no maintenance. Stainless steel isn’t fully rust proof, over a very long period of time it can still show some corrosion. You should do your best to keep it out of water and keep fingerprints off it. The acid in a fingerprint can, if left on the blade over a long period (months, years), still mark it. But generally, hanging up, unless someone touches it, you need to do nothing.
High Carbon Steel
If your sword is made from high carbon steel, such as Needle it needs maintenance. Ambient humidity can cause pitting, as well as actual water and finger prints. The blade should be wiped with a soft cloth after any handling, and you should keep it oiled or waxed regularly. Mineral oil works, as well as any oil sold or labeled for use with knives or guns, do not use a vegetable oil. For a more long term solution a product called Renaissance Wax is available. If the sword becomes pitted or rusted you will need to polish it with a product like Metal Glo. High carbon steel swords will ship to you with an oil coating on, but even that is not foolproof, so they should not be stored long term.
Damascus Steel
Damascus steel is a blend of two types of high carbon steel, so all that is true for high carbon steel is true for damascus steel. Except because it is so much more valuable you should be even more vigilant. Also, if your damascus does get blemished, be careful when polishing so that you do not wear off the patina. Test the polish first in a small spot.
Handle Parts
All our handle parts have a protective finish and should not need any maintenance.
13 Responses to “Sword Maintenance”
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September 15th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Hey!
Thanks for the info! REALLY good to know
A friend of mine left a couple of fingerprints on Needle and I didn’t notice that till a couple of weeks later…It had stains and rust
I managed to get rid of most of the stains, but there are still a couple of blotchy grey spots where the major stains were..It’s unfortunate, but I have nothing else to do I guess..
On another note, Just got my Ice! Thanks for making so an awesome sword! It’s simply amazing! Will be sure to post a comment on it’s page later on…And the info above will assist me in keeping it away from harm
Have an awesome day! Winter is coming!
September 15th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
Thanks VS for posting this info! I didn’t realize that Needle was High Carbon Steel! Now I just have to make the time to buy the oil and do the maintenance!
A few questions (and probably more to come):
1. Stainless Steel - if you were to “maintain” it you would use the same oil as on the other blade types?
2. Regular maintenance - I assume “regular” depends on whether it is displayed or not, humidity, etc… I think you replied to one of my inquiries that I could do monthly if displayed or every couple of months if stored - is that right?
3. How much oil/wax should one use? How long should it take to oil a blade? Can I use any kind of cloth?
4. You refer to Renaissance Wax as a “more long-term solution” - how often would I have to rub the blades down with this rather than a mineral oil?
Thanks!
September 16th, 2011 at 10:18 am
It’s like you read my mind. Fantastic Information - Thanks!
What cloth would you recommend to apply the Renaissance Wax? Silcone coated or just like something I would use on my car? (May seem overly micro-detailed, but I’m a total noob to cutlery.)
I saw silicone cleaning cloths. Would these work for “regular maintenance,” or would they not mix well with Rennaissance Wax?
PS - Have you thought about selling a kit, because I (and I’m sure many others) would be happy to buy a complete kit from you. I’m willing to buy one right now with Renaissance Wax, Metal Glow, Cloths, instructions, and whatever else you think we should have to keep your swords looking great!
September 16th, 2011 at 10:41 am
Any soft cloth should be fine, whatever the manufacturer of the polishing product recommends.
@Dwayne
1. Yes.
2. Yes, if you notice it corroding, you need to do it more frequently.
3. Oiling will take a minute or so, waxing longer. For oil you want to apply enough to coat it, for wax following instructions on the can.
4. Much less frequently, they use it in museums for long term displays. But it will depend on if/how often the sword is handled.
September 16th, 2011 at 10:43 am
Use a cotton flannel cloth such as an old pillowcase cover, preferably one that has been washed numerous times.
Use oil such as a household “3-in-1″ SAE 20. Use sparingly. A little goes a long way.
Oil used for cleaning a rifle will do nicely as well.
Do NOT use silicone.
And remember, Winter Is Truly Coming!
September 16th, 2011 at 11:36 am
www.sword-buyers-guide.com
Has all the answers to all your questions.
September 21st, 2011 at 7:17 am
VS - Another question. My damascus Longclaw came already oiled and the blade was in a plastic bag. Is there any reason why I couldn’t re-use the plastic bag after I’ve applied a fresh coat of oil to the blade?
Thanks!
September 21st, 2011 at 7:46 am
You’ll want to make sure that the plastic is holding oil up against the blade, and not any random moisture.
September 27th, 2011 at 10:13 pm
Something tells me these bad boys won’t take an edge. You know how difficult it’s going to be to take a head off with a dull Ice?
September 28th, 2011 at 10:24 am
What is the best way to clean the suede of Ice?
October 28th, 2011 at 6:31 am
Fist scotch guard the shade then……. never touch it…… Seriously the suade will go quickly if you are always swinging it around like I will. Im gonna try to wrap mu shade is plastic wrap or something like that
February 14th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
i just ordered roberts warhammer and was wandering does it need maintenance like the swords, i have Renaissance Wax witch i used on ice and longclaw witch was perfect or is it self maintenance?? thanks
February 14th, 2012 at 4:57 pm
The hammer will need no maintenance, every surface is plated or coated in some fashion.