HEMA Hack: Self cleaning sword scabbard

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A simple hack idea this one. So, I'm assuming that everyone keeps their swords in plastic tubes? If you don't, you should. They're cheap, they're light and they stop your swords getting bent out of shape when you transport them. You can pick them up at the hardware store for around $7 here in New Zealand and they're already the right length.

This is a little idea to improve the storage of sword in these tubes. The goal is to create a self-cleaning and superior storage environment.

Firstly, cut out a piece of sponge about a 1/4 again as large as the hole in the pipe. Then stab a hole through the middle. Next glue it securely into the mouth of your pipe. That's it. Now soak the sponge in 3 in 1 or the oil of your choice.

The result is that every time I draw or sheath my sword it gets a light coat of oil and hopefully takes any of the dust/finger oil I've missed off the blade.

The final step in this hack is too throw in a bunch of the silica moisture absorber packets into the tube, I got a whole bunch of these in a resent delivery. Then I've sealed the other end off with some duck tape. The idea here is that the blade is now stored in a moistureless environment. Sweet.

It'll be interesting to see how long the sponge lasts but if it's not durable I'll keep a look out for something like this that's more robust. I'm guessing that periodically I'll need to replace the sponge but it's not expensive. Total cost for hack? About $10.




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