An issue of cleaning inside a scabbard

Gavin Nugent · 1st October 2008, 10:32 AM

Here is an interesting problem that I haven't heard spoken of before.

In the past I have discovered swords with leather over wooden scabbards that have been stored for a very long time, the blades have been covered in grease for many decades but have attracted moisture in the scabbard and when they see the light of day again, the grease in places has gone a horrible brown colour. The blades have been cleaned to a good and respectable state but alas, once sheathed again dirty brown grease is left on the blade.
Has anyone ever experienced this and found a solution to cleaning the insides of a scabbard other than "never shall the two meet again".

Gav

Bill M · 1st October 2008, 12:36 PM

Gav,

Many scabbards are made to come apart so this cleaning can be accomplished. Some would take more effort than others, but many are two pieces of wood.

For the scabbards that do not come apart easily, like a kaskara I have, I have wondered the same question as you. Hope there are some good answers.

ward · 1st October 2008, 02:23 PM

shoot brake cleaner up the sheath and let it pour out. repeat untill clean afterwards wd40

Bill M · 1st October 2008, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ward

shoot brake cleaner up the sheath and let it pour out. repeat until clean afterwards wd40

This is an idea I had not contemplated. However if Ward suggests it, I think it bears consideration. I respect his knowledge.

ward · 1st October 2008, 03:32 PM

just make sure to clean out all of the brake cleaner before inserting sword. Otherwise you will have a new etch. also keep it off the outside of the scabbard

Ferguson · 2nd October 2008, 02:06 AM

To get mud and dry dirt out of a scabbard, I have used a rifle cleaning rod with a bronze brush on the end. Then shoot compressed air in to blow the loose dust out.

Steve

1st October 2008, 10:32 AM	#1
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	An issue of cleaning inside a scabbard Here is an interesting problem that I haven't heard spoken of before. In the past I have discovered swords with leather over wooden scabbards that have been stored for a very long time, the blades have been covered in grease for many decades but have attracted moisture in the scabbard and when they see the light of day again, the grease in places has gone a horrible brown colour. The blades have been cleaned to a good and respectable state but alas, once sheathed again dirty brown grease is left on the blade. Has anyone ever experienced this and found a solution to cleaning the insides of a scabbard other than "never shall the two meet again". Gav

1st October 2008, 12:36 PM	#2
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Gav, Many scabbards are made to come apart so this cleaning can be accomplished. Some would take more effort than others, but many are two pieces of wood. For the scabbards that do not come apart easily, like a kaskara I have, I have wondered the same question as you. Hope there are some good answers.

1st October 2008, 02:23 PM	#3
ward Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 637	shoot brake cleaner up the sheath and let it pour out. repeat untill clean afterwards wd40

1st October 2008, 03:32 PM	#5
ward Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 637	just make sure to clean out all of the brake cleaner before inserting sword. Otherwise you will have a new etch. also keep it off the outside of the scabbard

2nd October 2008, 02:06 AM	#6
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	To get mud and dry dirt out of a scabbard, I have used a rifle cleaning rod with a bronze brush on the end. Then shoot compressed air in to blow the loose dust out. Steve