Swords

Swords: Quality and Maintenance

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is the best choice because it requires little maintenance and is cost-effective compared to carbon steel and flexible steel, which are used in the production of “battle-ready” swords that must be hard enough to withstand impact without being damaged, yet flexible enough to prevent breakage.

Stainless steel consists of an alloy of iron and carbon. The more carbon used, the higher the tensile strength and hardness of the steel (and also the more expensive it is). There are approximately 2,500 types of steel worldwide, most of which contain additional elements such as chromium. When chromium comes into contact with oxygen, an invisible layer forms that prevents rust by shielding the underlying metal from water and air. Even if this layer is damaged, it will repair itself and continue to prevent rust formation.

Stainless steel has been used, among other things, in the famous spire of the Chrysler Building in New York, as well as in jewelry, watches, and various functional and decorative objects.
There is still a significant difference in quality within the category of stainless steel. We are always on the lookout for high-quality swords and daggers at a reasonable price. 

What is the difference between stainless steel and stainless steel?

There is no difference in the material itself; RVS is the abbreviation for “roestvast staal” and is commonly referred to as “stainless steel,” although the term “stainless” is inaccurate because the material can rust if used or maintained improperly. Stainless steel is a metal alloy consisting primarily of iron, chromium, carbon, and nickel; the addition of chromium causes it to form a self-repairing protective layer against corrosion.

Stainless Steel

What it is: 

An iron alloy to which chromium is added, creating a protective, invisible layer of chromium oxide on the surface. 

Position:

This layer protects the steel from corrosion and rust, and repairs itself when it becomes damaged. 

Correct term:

The term "stainless" is the correct designation, because the material is not completely rust-proof, but it is resistant to rust under normal conditions. 

Stainless steel

• What it is: A commonly used but incorrect term for stainless steel.
• Problem with the term: “Stainless” suggests that the material can never rust, which is not true. Stainless steel can indeed rust, for example, if contaminated by “regular” steel or under extreme conditions involving corrosive acids or salt. 

Why the Misunderstanding Exists

The term "stainless" is widely used and popular, but metallurgists prefer "rust-resistant" because it better reflects the material's actual properties. It refers to its resistance to staining, not the complete absence of rust. 

The best cleaning solution for maintaining stainless steel is simply soapy water made with lukewarm water.

Carbon steel

It is important to maintain these swords properly and, therefore, to oil them regularly so that oxidation does not set in. The steel, which consists of iron and carbon, reacts with oxygen in the air and will eventually rust if it isn’t properly protected with oil. All you need is a neutral mineral oil and a cotton cloth.

A thin layer of oil on the blade prevents the steel from coming into direct contact with the air and ensures that the two do not react with each other. Water or moisture, combined with acids that may be present on the blade, can accelerate oxidation and must be removed before new oil is applied.

Make sure your sword is not displayed or stored in an environment where there are extreme temperature fluctuations. If your sword or katana is placed directly above a radiator, the oil will dry out very quickly. At normal living room temperatures, oiling it once every three months will be sufficient.

Zamak

Zamak is a non-ferrous alloy because it does not contain iron. The main component of Zamak alloys is zinc. Approximately 90–95 percent of this alloy consists of zinc. In addition, a number of other elements have been added to the Zamak alloy. Aluminum and copper are the most important of these. Incidentally, “Zamak” is a compound name derived from the German initials of certain metals. The complete composition of Zamak can be deduced from this: zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and copper (German: “Kupfer”). The percentage of these additional components depends on the intended use of Zamak.

Properties of Zamak

Zamak has a relatively low melting point, which means the material is not suitable for use at temperatures above 120 degrees. One advantage of its low melting point, however, is that Zamak can be easily melted. In addition, Zamak has good fluidity. This makes it easy to cast, even into products with thin walls.

When was Zamak first used?

Zamak was first used in the early 20th century. At that time, in addition to its applications in engineering, it was also widely used in sculpture. Zamak is less expensive than bronze. For this reason, mass-produced sculptures in particular were made from Zamak.

Current Uses of Zamak

Zamak is still used today. For example, the alloy is used in the casting of parts for sword replicas, model cars, and model kits. It is also used in various types of hardware and locks. These products can also be chrome-plated as desired, as is often done with handles, for example. In addition, Zamak is used in carburetors, and the weights used to balance a car’s wheels are often made of Zamak. These are not made of lead because lead is no longer permitted in the European Union.

Maintenance

Clean swords made of Zamak with a soft, damp microfiber cloth and a mild cleaning agent, such as dish soap. This removes dust and dirt without damaging the surface. Avoid: When cleaning Zamak, it is important to avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals such as bleach.

Zamak won't rust because it's a non-ferrous metal and therefore contains no iron.

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