is there such a thing as a waterproof sword/blade?

chevalier · 23rd July 2008, 05:10 AM

i know there are diving knives nowadays, but ive been wondering if any old swordmaking culture ever tried to make their blades waterproof, or at least tried to make their blades more rust resistant........

Rick · 23rd July 2008, 05:27 AM

Hmmmmm ..
An underwater swordfight ?

Many maritime swords were often painted or shellacked to retard rust IIRC .

kahnjar1 · 23rd July 2008, 07:15 AM

Modern firearms are blued, and in earlier days were browned to retard rusting. The process in fact is an artificial rusting process. I do not know if the same process was applied to blades, but I would suggest that the practice of etching blades to bring out the pattern is a similar thing. Those who collect Keris and other blades of a similar type will know the answer to this I expect.
Regards Stuart

Henk · 23rd July 2008, 02:06 PM

No, after etching the blade must be dried very good and after drying the blade is oiled to prevent rusting.
Even blued and browned blades and firearms have to be oiled to keep in good shape.

Rich · 23rd July 2008, 02:15 PM

If steel could be made "waterproof" (prior to invention of "stainless" steel
in the early part of the 20th C), there would be a LOT more antique knives
and swords around :-) Don't we wish!

Rich S

fernando · 23rd July 2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

...
Many maritime swords were often painted or shellacked to retard rust IIRC .

These were mentioned in Portuguese inventories of the XVI century as ESPADAS PRETAS DE BORDO which, in a free translation, would mean BLACK SWORDS FROM ABOARD, referring to maritime crab ( colhonas) swords.

Jim McDougall · 23rd July 2008, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fernando

These were mentioned in Portuguese inventories of the XVI century as ESPADAS PRETAS DE BORDO which, in a free translation, would mean BLACK SWORDS FROM ABOARD, referring to maritime crab ( colhonas) swords.

Good reference Fernando, and as Rick has noted, the painting or varnishing black was typically termed 'Japanning' , probably for the Shakudo (I believe is the term) style describing this process of protective or decorative application. This was not only used on maritime weapons, but it is known that in the Scottish Highlands, the trusty baskethilts were usually japanned black to withstand the damp climate. In Europe I believe many weapons were 'russetted' brown, for the same effect.

I do not think these treatments would apply to the blades however, as these were supposedly to be maintained with sharpening and oiling. The blueing on blades was of course a decorative treatment for officers swordblades and other weapons and as far as I know offered no protection from moisture.

bladerunner11 · 23rd July 2008, 10:32 PM

hi guys im a new member,i have 1 swords,indian cavalry sabres.but im dubious as too wether there originals or not.i have pics.can anyone help me please?

23rd July 2008, 05:10 AM	#1
chevalier Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 119	is there such a thing as a waterproof sword/blade? i know there are diving knives nowadays, but ive been wondering if any old swordmaking culture ever tried to make their blades waterproof, or at least tried to make their blades more rust resistant........

23rd July 2008, 10:32 PM	#8
bladerunner11 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2	my swords authenticity hi guys im a new member,i have 1 swords,indian cavalry sabres.but im dubious as too wether there originals or not.i have pics.can anyone help me please?

23rd July 2008, 05:27 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	Hmmmmm .. An underwater swordfight ? Many maritime swords were often painted or shellacked to retard rust IIRC .

23rd July 2008, 07:15 AM	#3
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,741	Modern firearms are blued, and in earlier days were browned to retard rusting. The process in fact is an artificial rusting process. I do not know if the same process was applied to blades, but I would suggest that the practice of etching blades to bring out the pattern is a similar thing. Those who collect Keris and other blades of a similar type will know the answer to this I expect. Regards Stuart

23rd July 2008, 02:06 PM	#4
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	No, after etching the blade must be dried very good and after drying the blade is oiled to prevent rusting. Even blued and browned blades and firearms have to be oiled to keep in good shape.

23rd July 2008, 02:15 PM	#5
Rich Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: comfortably at home, USA Posts: 432	If steel could be made "waterproof" (prior to invention of "stainless" steel in the early part of the 20th C), there would be a LOT more antique knives and swords around :-) Don't we wish! Rich S