Hi Guys,

I just recently out of impulse purchased one of the controversial Windlass Conan Atlantean Swords from Kult of Athena.

It was definitely an impulse buy during Hurricane Sandy, I must say. I've been wanting to buy one of these for my entire life but was afraid to make the investment due to wondering about storage and care. But, I bought one anyway!

But I've been going around hoping you guys could help me with a few questions. My sword is not sharpened (I have kids in the house). It was mainly bought for storage, display (depending on the time of year), and overall nostalgia.

just some questions:

1) I opened the box and I see that it came oiled in a plastic. What type of cloth do I use to remove the oil?

2) Do I have to oil the sword regularly to prevent rusting?

3) If I want to store it away at certain times, do I just put it back in the box that it came in?

4) How much maintenance does it require in order to keep it's luster?

5) What are some basic swordcare tips?

Thank you guys so much (in advance)

Hey, What I have found is that for maintenance on your weapon is dependent on the type of climate you live in (humidity levels, and whatnot) and how often you use your sword. I do know that you do not want to use WD-40, it is good if you don't have anything else but you wouldn't want to rely on it normally.

There is a guide from the SBG that I will link, look through it and read it. I'm not sure that everything is spot on and i'm sure much is up to personal preference but I think it will lead you in the right direction!


http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/support-files/sword-care.pdf


Good luck! :D

Hi,

I have around 100 swords give or take a couple. For years, I have used a good car wax on my blades and hilts and have never had any rust. When I get a new one, I clean it well with alcohol to remove any oil on the sword first.

Bill

Some of your questions are answered here:

Care and Maintenance of the Modern Replica

Windlass swords used to always come covered in clear lacquer which requires much less care than bare metal. It might be worth asking them if yours is lacquered/varnished.

The advice you've been getting is for bare metals.

Thanks for all your help, guys.

In terms of storage, how do you guys store your weapons if you don't have them on display at the moment?

The conan atlantean came in the box, but I don't know if I should just store it in there or where? I've heard not to store swords in leather scabbards as this will speed up rusting?

I have had nothing but staining/rust from leaving swords in leather scabbards (actually 2 swords). Wood core scabbards are good. I leave all my swords out on display racks year round.

Some of the other members who have stored their swords long term can chime in. Just wanted to warn you off storing in plain leather scabbards.

we all have a variety of ways to protecting our blades - it's almost an individual thing, there's tons of posts around here with people asking what kind of products we use to prevent oxidation.

storage wise, well let me ask, do you have to put it away for months on end? just display it year round - hang x-mass lights off it and such.

i would say store it in a closet (lockable since you have kinds around) and not anywhere where it's not in your normal home environment. storage in an attic may expose the blade to unwanted humidity during the summer months.

To give a more extreme example on the leather scabbard subject, I once tried to ship a CAS/Hanwei sword via FedEx air when it was in a leather scabbard. It arrived with some pretty major rust where it had contact with the leather.
Keep in mind though that during flight it would have undergone a number of changes in temperature and humidity that would cause some pretty serious condensation. So in a location where moisture is an issue, I would say avoid prolonged contact with leather. Otherwise I never had an issue when I was storing it indoors at home and cleaning it every few months.