How to Repair an Antique Sword
Restoration of an antique sword -- that is, repairing damage, replacing parts or other services that require disassembling the sword -- should only be performed by a trained and experienced expert. It may be the case that attempting to physically remove flaws such as burrs and divots by grinding them out or re-sharpening the antique will actually result in the sword being worth less than it was in its damaged state. With proper care and cleaning, however, further damage can be prevented, and the antique sword may very well outlast its owner.
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Things You'll Need
- Light mineral oil
- Soft white cotton cloth
- Fine sandpaper
- Sanding block
- Wooden support block
- Rubbing alcohol
Instructions
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Protect your antique sword from further damage by applying with fine mineral oil, such as Choji sword oil. This will serve as an initial cleaning and form a protective barrier between the metal in the sword and the outside air, preventing the formation of rust. Use a well-washed, white cotton cloth to spread the oil onto the surface.
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Wrap 300-grit sandpaper around a sanding block. With one hand, hold your sword by its handle with the blade end up on a support, such as a wooden board.
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Gently stroke the sandpaper over the rust spot, moving in the same direction with each pass, until it is removed. Exercise care to avoid scratching other areas of the blade. If the spot is quite small, wrap the sandpaper over the end of a pencil and rub gently to remove the rust.
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Remove the scratches left from removing the rust by using a higher grit sandpaper in the opposite direction that you used previously.
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Wipe the blade with methylated spirits or rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth. This will remove all traces of old oil coats and any other dust or dirt from the blade.
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Apply a new coat of oil, again using a soft white cotton cloth.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider taking the sword and scabbard to a local metal-working company where they can be replated with the proper finish (gold, nickel, etc.). Make sure the company you take it to is trustworthy, stands behind their work, and is fully insured.
Keep a record of your sword's known history, take photographs and record any work done on the sword.
Never touch the blade with bare skin. This promotes the formation of rust.
Do not attempt to clean the tang (the portion of the blade anchored inside the handle) except to halt active rust and damage.
Never apply heat, which risks destroying the temper.
Do not attempt to sharpen the blade. Doing so may drastically reduce the sword's worth. If more involved repairs are needed, such as those requiring disassembling and rebuilding the sword, seek a trusted professional.
Do not use abrasive tools or cleaning products.
Never use an antique sword for fighting or test cutting.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit swords image by Pavel Losevsky from Fotolia.com
