is there such a thing as a waterproof sword/blade?

[chevalier]

i know there are diving knives nowadays, but ive been wondering if any old swordmaking culture ever tried to make their blades waterproof, or at least tried to make their blades more rust resistant........

[Rick]

Hmmmmm ..
An underwater swordfight ?

Many maritime swords were often painted or shellacked to retard rust IIRC .

[kahnjar1]

Modern firearms are blued, and in earlier days were browned to retard rusting. The process in fact is an artificial rusting process. I do not know if the same process was applied to blades, but I would suggest that the practice of etching blades to bring out the pattern is a similar thing. Those who collect Keris and other blades of a similar type will know the answer to this I expect.
Regards Stuart

[Henk]

No, after etching the blade must be dried very good and after drying the blade is oiled to prevent rusting.
Even blued and browned blades and firearms have to be oiled to keep in good shape.

[Rich]

If steel could be made "waterproof" (prior to invention of "stainless" steel
in the early part of the 20th C), there would be a LOT more antique knives
and swords around :-) Don't we wish!

Rich S

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Rick

...
Many maritime swords were often painted or shellacked to retard rust IIRC .

These were mentioned in Portuguese inventories of the XVI century as ESPADAS PRETAS DE BORDO which, in a free translation, would mean BLACK SWORDS FROM ABOARD, referring to maritime crab ( colhonas) swords.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by fernando

These were mentioned in Portuguese inventories of the XVI century as ESPADAS PRETAS DE BORDO which, in a free translation, would mean BLACK SWORDS FROM ABOARD, referring to maritime crab ( colhonas) swords.

Good reference Fernando, and as Rick has noted, the painting or varnishing black was typically termed 'Japanning' , probably for the Shakudo (I believe is the term) style describing this process of protective or decorative application. This was not only used on maritime weapons, but it is known that in the Scottish Highlands, the trusty baskethilts were usually japanned black to withstand the damp climate. In Europe I believe many weapons were 'russetted' brown, for the same effect.

I do not think these treatments would apply to the blades however, as these were supposedly to be maintained with sharpening and oiling. The blueing on blades was of course a decorative treatment for officers swordblades and other weapons and as far as I know offered no protection from moisture.

[bladerunner11]

hi guys im a new member,i have 1 swords,indian cavalry sabres.but im dubious as too wether there originals or not.i have pics.can anyone help me please?