Sword and Armor Care

I'm going to let my inner oddball shine and talk about one of my favorite hobbies, collecting medieval swords and armor. I've always been into medieval times, I got my first real sword when I was fourteen and I've accrued quite a collection since then. My love for all things medieval was actually the impetus behind my first online business venture. I started selling replica medieval weapons and armor in April of 2002.

One of the things that really struck me and still does is how indestructible people think medieval weapons are. I've had customers call me wanting a replacement for a sword they broke trying to chop wood or sawing things apart. Seriously, that's happened more than once. Even battle ready swords will break against the solid wood of a tree trunk. There is care and maintenance that must go into keeping replica swords and armor in top condition just as there is with anything of value.

Swords and armor, meaning not only body armor but also helmets, are shipped with a coating of oil and wrapped in plastic to protect them from rust. The first thing you should do when you receive it is wipe the oil off using mineral spirits using a soft cloth. Then put a fresh coat of oil on yourself before displaying it. This ensures there is area of the sword or armor where the coating has been rubbed off, you want even protection.

You need to reapply the oil at least once a month to prevent dust from accumulating. When that happens the dust traps oxygen against the blade. If left in that state for too long pits will start to form along the blade causing it to look uneven, dull, and in extreme cases, old. The handle of the sword also needs to be attended to. If it's a wire-wrapped handle the same oil can be used, if it's a wooden handle you should use lemon oil to protect from cracks.

Many swords have either a leather handle or an accompanying leather scabbard and some armor has leather straps or plates. To keep this from cracking and becoming unusable use a paste wax like Grangers. Mink oil will work too but I wouldn't recommend it for sword handles. It's also good to note that leather traps moisture so if your sword comes with one it's best not to display it in the scabbard. No matter how well it's coated you'll most likely get rust spots along the blade.

Now to talk about how you can use your replicas. Even battle worthy sword and armor up to SCA standards will dent, bend, or break eventually. If you intend to use your sword for any kind of battle make sure you buy one that can take it. Here is a link to the SCA Marshal Armor Requirements Handbook, it describes in detail the specifications needed to compete in battle.

Your average sword or armor replica is meant for display. You can wave it around and practice moves with it but it should never come in contact with anything but the air. A typical replica sword blade is made of cast metal or stainless steel and it will crack or shatter if it strikes anything harder than it. It's not a very strong construction, it's meant only for show.

Some say that carbon steel weapons can be used for stage combat, I would say only at your own risk. Carbon steel is much more forgiving than stainless but it's still brittle. Swords that can be used in battle are made of spring steel. This is incredible flexible which makes it much less likely to break when struck. There are different qualities of spring steel and different methods used to create their edges. You need to know what you're going to use it for and check with your vendor about the specifics. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Another thing to consider if you plan to use your sword for anything other than display is balance. It plays a big role how comfortable the sword will feel in your hands and how well you will be able to wield it. If your sword is properly balanced you should be able to place the flat part of the blade, just above the handle, on your index finger and not have to tilt in any way to keep it there. It should teeter only slightly with the inherent movement of your body but not overbalance in either direction.

A good way to help ensure good balance is to buy a sword that has full tang construction. Full tang means the blade doesn't end where it meets the handle but continues through the handle. This also makes for a much stronger blade. Full tang swords aren't that prevalent so don't assume that's what you're getting unless it says so somewhere in the ad or you've spoken to the person you are buying it from.

If you're into medieval replicas collecting them is exciting and lots of fun. You just have to understand that they need love and care. It's not too hard or time consuming to do and it will keep your weaponry collection looking new.