Replies

1. 
   philip_r | Oct 30, 2008 08:12pm | #1

   Good darn question.  These are my best guesses:

   Would waxing the swords work?  What about some of the protective spray we all use on our shop's cast-iron surfaces?  Or hiding some of those silica beads in the case? 

1. 
   g_hepplewhite | Oct 30, 2008 09:17pm | #3

   I had not thought of the silica packs. I may hide some in the bridges.

   Thanks,

   Tom

2. 
   Lataxe | Oct 30, 2008 08:40pm | #2

   Tom,

   I use Camelia oil as a rust preventor with my steel tools. I believe it is traditionally used in Japan for protecting all manner of blades -certainly plane blades and chisels.

   The oil is very light with no stickiness.

   Lataxe

1. 
   g_hepplewhite | Oct 30, 2008 09:24pm | #4

   Thanks, that would be a good suggestion to pass to the client. I am not overly concerned about corrosion as the case will be in a conditioned environment but I did not want to introduce any problems. He spent a few grand on these so I am sure that he would be happy to buy a small bottle of camelia oil to further protect them.

   Thanks,

   Tom

   Edited 10/30/2008 2:24 pm ET by G Hepplewhite

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Oct 30, 2008 09:46pm | #5

   You may want to saturate the wood with the camelia oil at the point of contact. Walnut oil works too. Re-apply as needed. That'll help keep the wood from absorbing humidity from the air.

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

3. 
   HWG | Oct 30, 2008 10:40pm | #6

   At one time you could purchase a felt-like material at fabric stores that was designed to go in silverware cases, to prevent tarnish.  I'm not sure what the fabric was treated with, or how well it would work for your needs, but it bears researching.  As I said, it was sold in fabric stores, by the yard.

   Woody

1. 
   joinerswork | Oct 31, 2008 03:54am | #9

   HWG,

   The popular brand was called Pacific silver cloth.

   Ray

1. 
   Jimurock | Oct 31, 2008 08:06pm | #12

   Do you happen to know if that's the same thing as FlexZorb?  I use that in a display case for silverware (works pretty well) but can't find the cloth retail anywhere.

   Jim

1. 
   joinerswork | Oct 31, 2008 08:43pm | #14

   Jim,

   Not familiar with the product you named. I got Pacific cloth thru a jewelry store.  How much are you looking for?

   Ray

1. 
   Jimurock | Oct 31, 2008 09:25pm | #15

   My wife is the one who wants it.  She's got so much jewelry (including a lifetime of peace offerings) that a bale or two might suffice.  I googled it and found a couple of good sources in the US, which I'll pass on to her.  Many thanks,

   Jim

4. 
   RalphBarker | Oct 30, 2008 11:21pm | #7

   I'd line the bridges with hide from a British comedian. That should keep things dry enough. ;-)

5. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 31, 2008 03:31am | #8

   Japanning the blades?

6. 
   dherzig | Oct 31, 2008 04:45am | #10

   I know some Japanese colleagues who collect antique samurai swords which are kept on wooden stands. They regularly (like at least monthly) wipe them down with camellia oil after carefully wiping them with very clean cloths. They only handle them with cotton gloves.

7. 
   philip | Oct 31, 2008 11:01am | #11

   If I were you I would find out from the Keepers of these Swords about the correct Material to Employ for the Job.... They will know, and no substitute will do, otherwise the Well Being of said Swords will be Jeopardised.Trust me- Keepers of Swords are a fanatical and mystical lot, much given to strange rites and practices in the dark hours.
   Apart from this, and to gain added insurance, I would be sure not to use a wood containing too much tannin, such as Oak, which will cause any Sword made of non stainless steel to take fright even if wrought of the finest Japanese forged steels steeped in tradition and blessed by one thousand priests. And you could locate some bags of Silica Gel dessicant granules somewhere out of sight, but this too would require permission from the Head Sword Keeper. I would even enquire as to the most favoured species of wood to use.

   Philip Marcou
1. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 31, 2008 08:27pm | #13

   philip..

   To add to you post

   Tea seed oil (also known as tea oil or camellia oil)

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_oil

1. 
   philip | Oct 31, 2008 10:39pm | #16

   Yes, but is this approved the Imperial Brotherhood of Sword Keepers? And if so under what conditions should it be applied? (;)Philip Marcou

1. 
   WillGeorge | Nov 01, 2008 06:59am | #18

   Yes, but is this approved the Imperial Brotherhood of Sword Keepers? And if so under what conditions should it be applied? (;)

   I would think after you drank the tea?

1. 
   philip | Nov 01, 2008 07:32am | #19

   You got it....Philip Marcou

8. 
   wop | Nov 01, 2008 12:02am | #17

   Camfor placed in a closed display case will avoid rust.
   Philip