Akado Armory Equipment Care and Maintenance

Congratulations on your purchase, and welcome to the Akado Armory family! Below, find a few tips to maximize the longevity of your swords and protective equipment.

Akado Swords

Gekken Blades

Your Akado Armory sword features our Gekken Blade. This blade is designed to provide you with a reliable tool that combines the performance characteristics of a traditional Katana with the safety and usability features that make it suitable for sparring and other contact practices. Of course, the blade is not indestructible and will require care and maintenance.

  • INSPECT! – You should carefully inspect you blade before each use, and occasionally during long training sessions. If any cracks or fissures should appear, discontinue use immediately.
  • Dents and Dings – Dents and dings are commonplace after heavy sparring or other contact exercises. Carefully run your hand along the edge and spine of the blade to check for any sharp indentations. These can snag and tear clothing and should be corrected before use. We recommend keeping a small file in your kit you can use to smooth out these spots.
  • Cleaning – The Gekken blade shouldn’t require extensive cleaning, but we do recommend that you wipe down the blade with a clean cloth and then a lightly oiled cloth after each use. Choji or Mineral Oil should be used.

Traditional Tsuka

If you purchased a sword with a “traditional” (meaning non-ruggedized) Tsuka (hilt) it is important to remember that this type of Tsuka is considered a consumable item that will likely require replacement from time to time. Heavy strain from the vibration in the grip upon impact, strikes directly to the hilt, and friction from sparring gauntlets further reduce the life of the hilt compared to non-sparring bare-handed activity. That said, there are several items to be aware of and maintain in order to ensure continued reliability. Proper care can dramatically extend the life of the Tsuka.

  • Kashira – During use of your Akado Armory sword, the Kashira (butt cap) will most likely loosen up. The Kashira is friction fit onto the end of the Tsuka and held on by the Tsukamaki end knot. Be sure to inspect the Kashira regularly. If it has loosened up, you will need to carefully tighten the knot. We also suggest putting a small amount of superglue or epoxy under the Kashira to help keep it in place.
  • Tsukaito – Like the Kashira, the Tsukaito (cord wrap) will loosen up over time. If the Tsukaito begins to unravel, you will need to discontinue use, then perform a rewrap. It can be a little tricky but is well worth learning the necessary skill. There are several great tutorial videos on YouTube to assist you in this process.
  • Tsuba – Most sparring and contact practice will eventually lead to strikes against the Tsuba (guard). These impacts will drive the entire Tsuka away from the shoulder of the blade and cause the Tsuba to loosen slightly. This will, in turn, cause the Tsuba to rattle. This minor rattle is primarily an aesthetic issue and rarely represents a safety concern. However, if the Tsuba becomes too loose, or you just want to tighten it up, you simply need to replace the Mekugi, the pegs that secure the Tsuka to the blade. To do this, hold the sword, tip up, just below the tsuba, and then gently strike the Kashira with a rubber mallet. A few strikes may be required, but you should hear the Tsuba tighten into place. Once that is complete, push the Mekugi out of the Tsuka and replace them with wooden pegs of the appropriate size.

Ruggedizing – You may also want to ruggedize your Tsuka. This involves using epoxy, polyurethane, and other materials to toughen up the Tsuka. Ruggedized Tsuka require less maintenance but eliminate the possibility of replacing piece parts as needed.

Garment Washing Instructions

 Jacket Washing Instructions

  • Turn inside out and machine wash cold, with normal laundry detergent
  • Only wash with like colors
  • Hang inside out to dry. Once the inside of the jacket is dry reverse garment and hang to dry outer layer
  • Do not use bleach
  • Do not machine dry
  • Do not Iron
  • Akado Care Tip! To extend the life of the garment, you can use a vodka spray between washes to kill bacteria and remove odor.  Just mix cheap unflavored vodka 50/50 with water, place in a spray bottle, and spray away.

 

Keikgoi Washing Instructions

  • Machine wash cold on delicate, with gentle (delicate safe) laundry detergent
  • Only wash with like colors
  • Do not use bleach
  • Hang to dry
  • Do not machine dry
  • Ironing is not recommended, however if you need to Iron your garment, set the iron to a low heat setting and iron on the back of the cloth, which is the wrong side.

 

Tattsuke-bakama Washing Instructions

  • Machine wash cold on delicate, with gentle (delicate safe) laundry detergent
  • Only wash with like colors
  • Do not use bleach
  • Hang to dry
  • Do not machine dry
  • Do not Iron

 

Protective Gear Care

  • Air out immediately after use
  • Use a vodka spray or other sports cleaning spray to remove funky odor.
  • Akado Tip! To make your own vodka spray just mix any cheap unflavored vodka 50/50 with water, place in a spray bottle, and spray away.
  • If in need of deep cleaning soak for 10 minutes in a tub of water with a little bit of gentle (delicate safe) laundry detergent. Remove from water, dab out extra water, and then let air dry.

As always, if you have any issues, questions, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can send an email to info@akadoarmory.com or message us directly through our Facebook page.

Email

info@akadoarmory.com