{"product_id":"ax-kit","title":"Ax Maintenance Kit","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAxe Cleaning and Maintenance Kit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelp protect your axe head from moisture, fingerprints, oxidation, and improper storage with this compact blade-maintenance kit. Originally designed for Japanese swords, the included cleaning cloth and blade oil can also be used to maintain many axes, hatchets, and tomahawks made from high-carbon or Damascus steel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular care is especially important for carbon-steel axe heads, which can develop surface rust when exposed to moisture or stored without a protective coating of oil. This kit provides the essential supplies needed to clean the metal surface and apply a thin layer of protective oil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor routine axe maintenance, the cleaning cloth and blade oil are the primary components. The Uchiko ball is optional and should only be used cautiously on suitable bare-steel surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIncluded in the Kit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMekugi-nuki brass peg-removal tool\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUchiko powder ball\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlade oil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCleaning cloth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional Japanese-style wooden storage box\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Mekugi-nuki is included because this is a traditional Japanese sword-maintenance kit. It is normally not required when cleaning or maintaining an axe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Clean and Maintain an Axe\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e1. Make Sure the Axe Is Clean and Dry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore applying oil, make sure the axe head is completely dry. Remove loose dirt, moisture, fingerprints, and the previous coating of oil with the included cleaning cloth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways handle the axe carefully and keep your hands away from the sharpened edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2. Use the Uchiko Ball Only When Appropriate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Uchiko ball contains finely ground polishing-stone powder traditionally used on Japanese sword blades. To apply it, gently tap the ball against the flat metal surface, leaving a light dusting of powder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a separate clean cloth to carefully remove the powder, wiping away from the sharpened edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUchiko powder is optional for axe care. Test it on a small, inconspicuous area before using it across the entire axe head. For etched Damascus patterns, coated steel, painted finishes, blued steel, or other decorative surfaces, skip the powder and use only a soft cloth and blade oil unless the axe manufacturer recommends otherwise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e3. Apply a Light Coating of Blade Oil\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlace a small amount of blade oil on a clean section of the cloth. Wipe a very thin, even coating across the exposed metal surfaces of the axe head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface should look lightly protected, not wet or dripping. Excess oil can attract dust and should be removed with a clean cloth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not apply blade oil to wooden, leather-wrapped, bone, horn, or synthetic handles unless the handle manufacturer specifically recommends it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e4. Store the Axe in a Dry Location\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter cleaning and oiling, store the axe in a cool, dry environment. Avoid prolonged exposure to humidity, moisture, or rapid temperature changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInspect and re-oil the axe periodically, especially after handling, cleaning, outdoor use, or extended storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuitable for Many Carbon-Steel Blades\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis axe care kit can be used for routine maintenance of many:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh-carbon steel axes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDamascus steel axes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViking axes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecorative and collectible axes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTomahawks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHatchets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwords and knives\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways consider the specific finish and materials of your item before applying powder or oil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAdditional Care Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis kit is intended for routine cleaning and protective maintenance. It does not sharpen an axe or repair deep rust, chips, loose axe heads, damaged handles, or other structural problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping a carbon-steel axe head clean, dry, and lightly oiled is one of the simplest ways to help preserve its appearance and protect it during storage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Battling Blades","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46811553333420,"sku":"6000000K01","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2234\/4067\/files\/Ax_Maintenance_Kit.png?v=1784843077","url":"https:\/\/battlingblades.com\/products\/ax-kit","provider":"Battling Blades","version":"1.0","type":"link"}