Hi all!

I am currently separated from my sword for months at a time; it's at home, and I'm at University. This got me thinking- what treatment is necessary to preserve a sword in good condition for a reasonable chunk of time? And how would this have been approached historically? I would imagine that oil or grease would have a role to play, but I don't know what sort of receptacle the weapon would be placed in- wrapped in canvas? Boxed? Placed in dragon's hoard? Seriously, any opinions would be gratefully received. And if this has already been raised, I apologise.

By the way, as a newcomer, I must say how impressed I am with this site.

I, too have had to deal with long term storage. A coat of oil (not dripping, just enough that you can start to tell the oil is there) is a great help, as you surmised. I haven't been too picky on oil, just whatever gun oil was available, I think many people have their personal favourite, which I suspect they will share. I store all of my Albions in the box they came in. This has worked well, and is a handy solution. I know some people store their swords in rifle/shotgun cases, and my impression has been that that works faily well, too. I would avoid keeping your swords in an especially dusty location, such as the attic, if you can help it. Humidity and other factors and are going to have an effect as well.

-Grey

From what I have heard from others, Renaissance Wax is meant to be an excellent way to keep your swords in good condition. Not to mention the British Museum and Royal Armouries in Leeds use it so it can't be that bad ;-) Give it a google and I'm sure you'll be able to find it...

Like Addison, I have used the Marine Tuf Cloth and it is amazing. I used to carry a folder with a blade forged from 52100, and the Tuf Cloth did a better job of preventing rust than anything else I have tried. I live right on the coast and rust is a major enemy. Items I use regularly, I wipe with Breakfree CLP, but anything that might go unattended for any period of time I treat with the Sentry product.

At least some enthusiasts/ collectors I know of have had to leave for periods on the order of one year (military duty related.)

If we are talking about similar absences of many months or possibly a year or more, one could always wrap the grip with protective film (Saran wrap) and then coat the blade and furniture with a fairly heavy grease (axle grease). Wrap the whole mess in some cloth and figure it is good for long term storage. Clean up could be done with solvent or brake cleaner upon return.

Thanks for the advice guys. At the moment I have the blade lightly oiled and hanging in a cupboard, but I'll definitely be taking a look at the products you recommend.