How should I store and maintain a display tachi long sword?
Updated Feb 2026
A tachi displayed or stored long-term requires a few consistent maintenance habits to prevent corrosion and preserve finish quality. The blade should be lightly coated with uchiko powder (or a modern equivalent like Renaissance Wax or pure camellia oil) every few months to displace moisture and maintain the polished surface. When applying oil, use a soft, lint-free cloth and work from the habaki toward the tip without pressing against the edge. Store the sword horizontally in its saya, ideally in a wooden sword bag or paulownia box that allows airflow while blocking dust. Avoid environments with high humidity fluctuations — a stable 45–55% relative humidity is ideal. The saya lacquer should be wiped clean with a dry cloth rather than treated with furniture polish. Handle the bare blade only with clean cotton gloves, as fingerprint acids accelerate pitting on polished high-carbon steel.