Any recommendations on cleaning kits for katana/iaito? Thanks
-Stuart Ratcliff
Any recommendations on cleaning kits for katana/iaito? Thanks
-Stuart Ratcliff
No specific recommendations, but just a reminder that uchiko (powder balls) shouldn't be used on plated iaito, only on steel blades.
Yours in Budo,
---Brian---
Hey Stuart,
Welcome to e-budo!
I would recommend that you get a Japanese cleaning kit rather than a Chinese one. The ones from China a less expensive, but the uchiko is not usually made the same way as the Japanese, and the oil usually doesn't smell right. I tend to buy stuff like that from Tozando as they have decent prices and a good reputation.
As Brian said, don't use uchiko on a non-ferrous iaito. The aluminum iaito are chrome plated, and the uchiko is mildly abrasive. This makes a bad combination. To clean an aluminum iaito, just wipe it down well and apply a very thin layer of choji. The oil isn't required, but it makes things work smoother the way they should.
Paul Smith
"Always keep the sharp side and the pointy end between you and your opponent"
I would recommend you get a piece of chammy leather (the type you use for wiping down a car). Put a few drops of oil on it and put it in a small plastic jewelry box. A quick wipe with that and it puts of a nice thin film of oil on your blade.
What I am having a hard time finding for decent prices is simply the uchiko. Everyone wants to sell you a nicely boxed set with peg hammer, oil, paper and uchicko. Just sell me a replacement uchicko puffer, eh? For something less than $20 ...
- elmar schmeisser
The quality of the washi in the kits is not too good either. But living in Japan I guess I have been spoiled.