| When Rulers and Royalty were in power there | | | | handling the blade as much as possible. Fingerprints |
| was really only one symbol that could show their | | | | are the culprit. The blade and other metal |
| authority and power, the Ceremonial sword. This | | | | elements of the sword can be discolored and |
| sword was their life's blood, their kingdom | | | | effected by fingerprint impressions that are |
| portrayed. This sword was their status, their | | | | difficult to remove if left on for extended periods |
| power and the more lavishly it was decorated and | | | | of time. They will leave an imprint on the blade |
| adorned with jewels, the more visibly respected | | | | that will be visible. Your fingerprints contain certain |
| the sword became. Status was acquired from the | | | | bodily acids and oils that when pressed upon the |
| Ceremonial sword. | | | | steel surface it will leave an imprint. If this occurs, |
| Ever since time was inhabited by humans, | | | | try erasing them with furniture polish. The |
| weapons have been crafted. The sword first | | | | pre-moistened Pledge wipes are convenient and |
| made it's appearance around 1500 BC. Ceremonial | | | | would be your best bet. In areas of high humidity, |
| swords have a important roll in history. Hundreds | | | | pollution, or close to the sea, you may need to |
| of cultures in every corner of the world have | | | | clean your sword at least monthly. Do not ever |
| made this sword part, and in some cases, most | | | | use metal polishes on any gold-colored component |
| of their history's background. The British Royalty | | | | of your sword unless you have thoroughly |
| for example displays a large array of Ceremonial | | | | investigated it to be safe. And absolutely never |
| swords. The Ceremonial sword was rarely used in | | | | use steel wool on gold-colored parts or the blade |
| battle. More often then not it was crafted from | | | | of your sword. Unless you want scratches on it. |
| precious metals, adorned with symbols and | | | | Gold or gold plating is soft and it will scratch. |
| materials of the owners wealth and power. These | | | | After you've cleaned the prints off of your blade |
| swords where too delicate to use on the battle | | | | wipe down the surface with a bit of olive oil with |
| field, they were not made for such an event. | | | | a clean dry cloth. This will add a nice sheen to the |
| They were symbols of strength, their power, | | | | blade and will prevent future fingerprints from |
| their authority. Emperors, Kings, Queens or | | | | adhering to the surface. It will also protect the |
| Knights all owned Ceremonial swords, it was their | | | | blade from rust, corrosion and salts that are in |
| birth rite. Today many of these swords are | | | | the atmosphere while the sword is in the |
| available as a remembrance of their existence. A | | | | scabbard or sheath. I have learned that all metal, |
| remembrance of the past. Honor is what makes | | | | even stainless steel has traces of carbon in it. The |
| Ceremonial swords give a person the inner feeling | | | | amount of carbon in stainless steel is a much |
| of security and confidence. | | | | smaller amount than in a carbon tempered blade, |
| Ceremonial Sword Maintenance | | | | but it will still develop rust throughout time. The |
| In addition to Emperors, Kings, Queens or Knights | | | | previous stainless steel swords I have owned did |
| of the past. High ranking officers of our nation's | | | | develop rust. At the time I did not realize why |
| military and officials in law enforcement agencies | | | | my stainless steel blades were rusting or how to |
| are issued a ceremonial sword with their dress | | | | prevent it from happening. Now I have more |
| uniform. The US Marines are big users of the | | | | insight and have accumulated research on how to |
| ceremonial sword. It is important to maintain | | | | take better precautions and better care of my |
| these swords to ensure that premium | | | | swords then in the past. Jeweler cloths can also |
| presentation quality will exist for years to come. | | | | be used for serious discolorations. Wipe the sword |
| Therefore, this sword is intended for presentation | | | | down after each use to ensure it is clean before |
| purposes. It is important to realize that even | | | | storing it. Transporting your ceremonial sword is |
| though they have been forged, tempered and | | | | best done with the sword wrapped in plastic such |
| designed for durability. The blade probably will not | | | | as saran wrap to protect it from moisture. |
| withstand heavy blows on any particular object, | | | | Leather scabbards and sheaths also need to be |
| hard surface or blade to blade impacts. They are | | | | cared for. Most leather preservers will cause |
| designed for display, presentational or ceremonial | | | | leather discoloration. So do a little research on |
| use. As with all swords, caution and respect | | | | what type of leather it is and what type of |
| should be taken when handling the sword. Most of | | | | preserver to use. For example, many leather |
| them will arrive in a razor sharp condition and yes | | | | products can be treated with saddle soap, mink oil |
| they can be dangerous. So don't be too | | | | or Neats-foot oil. |
| flamboyant and remember to treat your sword | | | | In Conclusion |
| with respect. The USA has no laws or restrictions | | | | Taking precautions and some preventive |
| covering the use of swords but some countries | | | | measures will help to ensure that your Ceremonial |
| do. | | | | Sword or any other sword that you may own, |
| Below are some ways to help ensure the | | | | withstand the test of time. After all, a sword |
| preservation of your new ceremonial sword. | | | | shows honor and has a personal connection to it's |
| The stainless steel or low to high carbon blade | | | | owner. Treat your sword as if it is part of you. |
| you choose is your biggest concern. Try to avoid | | | | |