Katana Handling & Kit Instructions

Correct Katana Handling

Our katana are extremely sharp. Always handle your katana with care. Make sure the blade edge is never in a position where it could harm yourself or others. Never clean your sword with the edge towards you and do not draw the sword with the edge towards you. Keep all swords away from children.

The katana is traditionally worn in the sash/belt (obi). The edge facing up towards the sky. It is drawn this way also.

When drawing/ unsheathing, - do not just randomly pull on the katana handle and the scabbard. This is dangerous due to lack of control and will possibly damage the mouth of the scabbard, causing undue wearing of this area.

The correct way to draw your katana (for right handers) is,

- With the edge facing towards the sky and slightly angled away from you,

- Place your left-hand firmly at the top of the scabbard with your thumb pressed against the handguard.

- Place your right hand on the handle. Close to the handguard.

- Use your left-hand thumb to push against the handguard, and your right hand to pull at exactly the same time. You will feel the sword sword release, while you maintain complete control.

- Be carful not to drop the thumb that pushes, downwards. - Hitting the edge of the blade. This thumb should tuck back into the hand upon the release of the sword from scabbard.

When following through with drawing the blade from the scabbard. Always make sure the blade’s spine is the part which remains contact with the inside of the scabbard (saya). Likewise, when sheathing the katana keep blade’s spine against the inside of the scabbard. This is to stop undue wear on the saya and on the blade edge.

Not only are these drawing techniques traditional they are also practical, giving the wielder maximum control over the sword. They should always be practiced.

If your katana becomes loose in its scabbard, or it is starting to wear. Contact us and we can fix it for a small charge.

Katana Maintenance Kit Instructions

Maintenance is crucial to keep your blade in pristine condition. They are a few ways of maintaining a sword but this section refers to using our Katana Maintenance Kits. Depending on the humidity you should perform maintenance every 3-6 months and any time when the blade has been touched.

1) Using a piece of rice paper or cotton cloth remove the old oil from the blade. Being careful to avoid injury

2) Tap the powder ball against the blade every two inches or so (a new powder ball may need a few good taps to get started). Then gently polish the blade with rice paper or cotton cloth, remain focused on the task as to not cut through the rice paper or cotton cloth, thus cutting into you. Repeat on the reverse side. Do not inhale the powder and remember to keep the blade edge away from you.

3) Wipe excess powder away from the blade. Apply a few drops of oil to each side of the blade and smooth up and down the full length of the blade using rice paper or cotton cloth. Make sure you do not touch the steel before re-sheathing.

The hammer is a traditional part of the kit. It is used to disassemble the katana. It is recommended that you do not to remove the handle of the katana without any formal training. Re-assembly can be difficult and repeated disassembly will wear both the pegs and the wooden handle causing a loose fit.