Maintenance swords and swords:
To ensure the life time of your product, we recommend the following tips:
- In a very general way - Metal components:
- Sweating on the fingers can oxidize metal components over time.
- The salt and other elements contained in the air (example: dust, sea air etc.) can be deposited on the metallic surfaces and also create an oxidation in the time.
- Water and moisture can alter all parts of the sword and accessories. They must be kept away from water and moisture. In case the sword or accessory comes in contact with water, please clean it cleanly with a soft, dry cloth.
- Clean regularly with a dry and soft cloth your sword or accessories. We recommend once a month for aggressive environments (example: high humidity, near sea air, city with high pollution rate, etc.) and according to the demand for less aggressive environments. Do not use chemical-based products to clean belts and straps.
- Remove fingerprints and other marks with a soft, dry cloth.
- Gold is a soft metal, rub it too hard or polish it to remove the gilding.
- Do not use abrasive or sandpaper on the edges. All golden parts on a sword or a BALP accessory are actually gold-plated .
- Use a special jewelry cloth to clean these parts.
- All BALP blades are made of stainless steel, except for models that mention carbon steel.
- Small scratches can be removed with a special jewel or polishing cloth.
- Remove all polishing residues with a soft, dry cloth.
- Never use heavy abrasive products such as sandpaper or polishing tape which will destroy the polished finish of the blade.
- Avoid contact with acids or alkaline substances which could create a chemical reaction with stainless steel or carbon.
- Leather scabbards: Occasional maintenance with a cloth moistened with a clear polish type produced with silicon.
- Scratches on the leather can usually be repaired or hidden with a regular shoe wax. Be careful to match the color of the wax to that of the leather.
- Nickel-plated scabbard can be maintained in the same way as metal components (see metal components maintenance)
- Clean regularly with a dry and soft cloth your accessories. We recommend once a month for aggressive environments (example: high humidity, near sea air, city with high pollution rate, etc.) and according to the demand for less aggressive environments. Do not use chemical-based products to clean belts and knots.
- General monitoring of the sword:
- After each use, thoroughly clean the sword or sabers with a soft, dry cloth to remove finger marks, perspiration and other residue.
- All metal parts, including stainless steel will oxidize to different degrees if no maintenance is provided and if they are exposed to prolonged air or other aggressive elements.
- Whether your sword or saber is exposed or stowed, periodically clean it, including the scabbard, with a lightly greased cloth to protect your sword or sabers.
- Because the bags can take moisture from the atmosphere, we recommend that you store your sword or saber in a plastic bag inside the cover.
- We recommend storing your sword or saber, the blade outside the scababrd if stored over a long period.
- If sending your sword or saber by air, carefully store it in a plastic bag to minimize condensation on the cool surfaces of the sword or saber after returning to cooler higher altitudes.
- Use and security for the Ceremony:
- The swords and swords BALP are intended only for the parade.
- The tips of the blades are relatively sharp, be careful when using on parade.
- Blades are not produced for combat use. Although forged, tempered, and produced for flexibility and durability, the ceremonial blades do not necessarily withstand the strong "blade against blade" contact.
- Do not use a sword or ceremonial sword for theatrical fights.
- Use on horseback can result in damage to the sword or sword, or worse, personal injury.
- The handling of a sword or a sword is a particular know-how and studied. Do not be extravagant in the use of the sword or sword.