I’m going to let my inner oddball shine and talk about one of my favorite hobbies, collecting replica medieval swords and armor. I’ve always been [into|interested in|fascinted by] [medieval weapons|medieval history|the medieval times|the Middle Ages|the medieval period], I got my first real sword when I was [fourteen|14] and I’ve [accrued|created] quite [a collection|an impressive collection] since then. My affinity for all things medieval was actually what prompted me to start my first online medieval store. I started selling replica medieval weapons and armor in April of [2002|'02].
One of the things that really [struck me and still does|strikes me] is how [indestructible|tough|strong|unbreakable] people [think medieval weapons are|believe medieval weapons to be|think swords are|believe medieval swords really are]. I’ve had customers [call me|call the store|call|call my support line] [wanting|requesting|demanding] a replacement for a [sword|blade] they [broke|destroyed|damaged badly] [trying|attempting] to chop wood or saw things apart. [Seriously|Honestly|For real], [that's happened more than once|more than you might imagine|more often than is right]. Even [battle ready|battle-ready|battle worthy|battle-worthy] [swords|sword blades] will [break|crack|shatter] against the solid [wood|bark] 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. One of the first things you should do to care for your sword is wipe off the oil using a soft cloth and mineral oil. 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. Pits will form along the blade if it’s left that way, your blade will start to look uneven and dull. The sword’s handle also needs a certain amount of care. 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.
Leather straps or plates and leather handles are common with medieval swords and armor. To keep this from cracking and becoming unusable use a paste wax like Grangers. Mink oil will work as well but I wouldn’t recommend it for the handles of the swords. Remember that leather traps and holds moisture so if your sword comes with a scabbard it’s best to leave it out when you display it. No matter how well it’s coated you’ll most likely get rust spots along the blade.
