History of the katana

VIDEO: Learn how to identify between a fake and real katana (samurai sword)

The sword was considered the soul of the samurai and became the symbol of the warrior class leader at the time, so many were richly decorated and are considered true works of art.

1. The katana should fit perfectly into the sheath. This is often a tight fit, to avoid accidental unsheathing. To remove the katana from the sheath, hold the sheath firmly and one hand, and with your thumb push the guard away from the sheath.

2. Now that your katana is unsheathed, you’re ready to begin cleaning! You would need a cotton cloth, sword oil, rice paper, and a powder ball.

3. Wipe the blade down with rice paper, if the katana was previously cleaned with oil.

4. Dust the blade with the powder ball, very lightly.

5. Use the cotton cloth to rub the powder over the blade. Repeat this process on both sides until both sides of the blade have been polished.

6. Use two or three drops of sword oil on both sides of the blade. Do not touch the blade, prior to sheathing the blade.

7. Sheath the blade.

Avoid any heavy oil, as it tends to collect inside the sheath.

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