| Officers and other high ranking officials of our | | | | occasionally with a soft, dry cloth is the best way |
| nation's military and law enforcement agencies are | | | | to clean and maintain it. In areas of high humidity, |
| issued ceremonial swords to wear with their dress | | | | pollution, or close to the sea, you may need to |
| uniforms. Caring for these swords to ensure their | | | | clean your sword at least monthly. Do not ever |
| optimal quality of presentation for years is | | | | use metal polishes or wool on any gold-colored |
| essential. Here are some tips and tricks to help | | | | component of your sword. "Jeweler" cloths can |
| you properly maintain your ceremonial sword. | | | | be used sparingly for serious discolorations, but a |
| It is important to remember that ceremonial | | | | soft, dry cloth is the best choice for upkeep. |
| swords are not intended for use. "While forged, | | | | Many people feel that storing their sword in the |
| tempered, and designed for flexibility and | | | | scabbard is the safest place for it, but sword |
| durability, ceremonial blades lack the toughness to | | | | authorities recommend a lightly oiled blade be |
| withstand the heavy impact of blade-to-blade | | | | stored apart from its sheath. Wipe the sword |
| contact." Though they are for decoration rather | | | | down after each use to ensure it is clean before |
| than practicality, swords are still sharp, so caution | | | | storing it. Transporting your ceremonial sword is |
| must be exercised when handling. Every sword | | | | best done with the sword wrapped in plastic to |
| expert warns against messing around with | | | | protect it from moisture. Metal polishes, scouring |
| weapons in general since serious injury can occur | | | | pads, and wool will all damage a sword's finish, so |
| when you don't know what you are doing. Even | | | | please avoid them. Acidic and alkaline substances |
| professional swordsmen know not to be too | | | | can chemically react with your blade, so be aware |
| flamboyant when handling their sword because of | | | | and considerate of what you apply to it. Leather |
| the risk of damage. | | | | or metal scabbards can be maintained in a similar |
| The metal elements of your sword can be | | | | way to your sword, simply wiping it down |
| affected and discolored from fingerprints because | | | | occasionally with a dry, soft cloth is sufficient. If |
| of the acid in them, as well as salt and other | | | | your leather gets a scuff mark in it, shoe polish |
| airborne contaminants. Wiping the metal down | | | | may be required to buff it out. |