What Are the Things to Consider When Buying a Nagamaki?

There are several factors to consider before purchasing a Nagamaki. These include the type of steel, its functionality, and more.

Steel Type

Various steel types are used when forging swords, and each of these differs in quality. If you plan to use your Nagamaki for cutting practice, always choose high carbon steel. Blades with high carbon content are more durable and can withstand the rigors of cutting various targets.

The most common carbon steel types are 1045, 1050, 1095, and 1060. Other examples of steel include 9260 spring steel and T10 steel.

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Functionality – Sharp or Blunt?

For practicing martial arts and Japanese swordsmanship, a blunt Nagamaki is the best choice. It’s useful for practicing various techniques without getting exposed to danger and accidents.

If you plan to practice cutting techniques on a variety of targets, you should have a sharpened, functional Nagamaki.

Folded or Non-Folded?

Traditionally, folding of steel was a refinement process in sword making. It was done to evenly distribute the steel’s carbon content to ensure its durability.

For modern swords, the folding process is only for aesthetics, and it doesn’t affect the blade’s efficiency. It causes a subtle Hada or grain pattern to appear on the blade’s surface.

A Nagamaki that is made of folded steel resembles the blade of a classic Nihonto. If you want to have this on your sword, choose a Nagamaki that is made from folded steel.

It’s also important to know that folding steel has its disadvantages. Unless it’s done correctly, there may be welding issues between the layers of steel. This causes the sword to be less durable and not suitable for Tameshigiri.

Because of that, you should also be sure that you’re buying your Nagamaki from a legitimate shop. If it’s a customized sword, see to it that the swordsmith is a professional.

Other Factors to Consider

Before purchasing any product, it’s highly necessary to determine your budget. Keep in mind that swords like the Nagamaki aren’t cheap, especially if you opt for those made from high-quality materials. It’s best to do a little research on the price ranges and other information about the Nagamaki.

Aside from that, you might also want to have other customizations for your sword. Also, you might want a specific design for the fittings of your Nagamaki. If that’s the case, you’ll need to order a custom sword from a shop that offers this type of service.

What Is the Best Way to Store a Nagamaki?

If you’re storing a Nagamaki, remember to place it in a cool, dry place. There’s also a cardinal rule of storing swords, and it’s to never store it in a leather Saya.

Generally, a Nagamaki is more than a simple sharp-bladed piece. It’s also considered a form of art.

Classic Japanese swords or Nihonto are meticulously and adequately crafted to achieve excellent levels of quality. With that, owners and collectors need to follow a couple of standard precautions when storing the Nagamaki.

Do Store It in a Climate-Controlled Environment

As mentioned, the Nagamaki should be in a climate-controlled environment. It’s because fluctuations in temperature and humidity can enhance the risks of corrosion and rust.

For instance, attics and basements are usually humid and hot. So, they’re poor areas to store a Nagamaki or any other sword for that matter.

If you’re worried about humidity causing damages to your Nagamaki, it’s best to install a dehumidifier in the area. It will help prevent excess moisture in the air.

Air the Nagamaki From Time to Time

Regularly take your Nagamaki out of the storage. Keeping the sword stored in an air-tight container may enhance the risks of molds. This occurrence is true when it’s never removed from storage.

To prevent this, take the Nagamaki out of its storage at least once in a couple of weeks. Use this time to inspect the blade, its other parts, and to let the air out from its storage.

Remember to Apply Oil for Long-Term Storage

When storing the Nagamaki for more extended periods, it’s best to coat its blade with protective oil.

The preferred oil to use is Choji oil, which is mostly made from clove oil extracts. It also has hints of mineral oil combined.

Once applied to the blade of the Nagamaki, the Choji oil creates a film of protection to safeguard the blade from rust and corrosion.

Avoid Storing It Dirty

It’s common sense to never store the Nagamaki, or any item, dirty. However, it’s still worth mentioning that you shouldn’t ever keep a sword when it isn’t clean.

Even if it’s nothing more than fingerprint smudges, the compounds and oil contained in the smudge can react to metal. With that, it can potentially cause rust and other forms of damage on the Nagamaki blade.

Before storing the Nagamaki, take the time to thoroughly clean and polish the blade. Then, apply Choji oil to give the blade maximum protection.

Store It Horizontally

Also, the Nagamaki should be stored horizontally in its sheath with its curve facing down, while its edge upwards.

This position helps maintain the edge of a Nagamaki, protecting it against unnecessary wear and tear.

Or, you can store your Nagamaki in a carrying case. However, the case should have protective padding that won’t dull the blade of your Nagamaki.