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Step 1
Focus on conservation for your Samurai sword. This means maintaining its current condition to keep it from deteriorating further through dirt or rust. Proper cleaning is essential to keep the blade from rusting. You should talk with a professional to find what products and techniques you can use to clean and conserve your specific blade.
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Step 2
Restore the handle. The Honoki core of the handle needs to be inspected for cracks, deterioration and other damage. You may need to get the handle replaced for safety reasons if the damage is extensive before you can use a Samurai sword. If the core is in good condition, you can have the handle wrapped. You can choose leather, silk or tsunami cord and a variety of styles for the wrap and do it yourself or sent it to a restoration company.
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Step 3
Clean the blade. A professional sword polisher can be expensive, but well worth the cost to ensure proper technique and handling. If you want to clean the blade yourself, use a soft cloth to prevent scratching and oil. You must maintain the blade to keep rust and dirt from damaging the blade.
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Step 4
Touch up the Saya. The Saya, or scabbard, on a Samurai sword needs to be restored along with the other parts of the sword. Companies like the Fred Lohman Company offer smoothing and lacquering services using Japanese lacquer. You can also get Sageo and water buffalo horn fittings.
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Step 5
Have a professional restore your Samurai sword. It's highly recommended that you have a professional sword restoration company do all the repairs, replacements and retrofitting your sword requires to restore it to prime condition. Some companies offer restoration packages.
