A Pooley Sword will be handmade specifically for you by highly skilled Sword Cutlers using traditional materials and methods in accordance with MOD specifications. Our blades are made from hardened, tempered high-carbon steel and are ground in Sheffield before being finely polished, acid etched, tested and inspected in our workshops in Shoreham-by-Sea. Pooley Sword are proud to have held the MOD contract for the supply of swords, dirks and lances for eight years and still retain the official MOD samples on-site.
Pooley Sword create genuine ‘fighting quality’ swords as carried by our forebears into battle for hundreds of years. Our swords are not mass-produced or factory-made and we pride ourselves on creating bespoke family heirlooms which will be passed down through the generations.
To preserve your sword, please follow our simple guidelines on cleaning, maintenance and storage.
Always wear gloves when handling your sword. Our skin’s natural acidity can react with the high-carbon steel causing tarnishing and corrosion. It is important to remove any fingerprints immediately with a soft dry microfibre cloth.
The grip of your sword is covered with genuine ray skin and gold or silver-plated grip-wire. Wearing gloves when holding the grip will preserve the colour of the ray skin and prevent the grip wire from tarnishing.
Always display or store your sword in a cool dry environment and avoid places where there may be extreme variations in temperature such as an attic or garage. Sudden fluctuations in temperature can affect the high-carbon steel.
If your sword is delivered in a cardboard shipping box, please note that this is for transportation purposes only. The box is not designed for long-term storage purposes as cardboard can attract moisture and humidity.
If displaying your sword on a display board or stand, we recommend applying Renaissance Wax to the blade. This ultrafine wax dries to create an invisible protective layer on the blade which is highly moisture resistant.
When preparing your sword for storage, apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the blade before replacing it in its scabbard. The Vaseline acts as an excellent moisture barrier. We suggest that you check on your sword every few months, clean the blade with a dry micro-fibre cloth and reapply the Vaseline to preserve the steel and keep your sword in top condition.
When storing your sword for any length of time, remove it from its leather scabbard and do not keep it in a leather or chamois bag. Remember to also remove the leather buff next to the hilt. As with cardboard, leather can absorb moisture from its surroundings.
If your sword gets wet, it is important to dry it as soon as possible and apply Vaseline or Renaissance Wax as water/raindrops can leave marks on the blade if left too long.
Should rainwater get into the scabbard while on parade, ensure the scabbard is allowed to dry thoroughly before replacing the sword. In the case of leather scabbards this may take 3-4 weeks. If the sword buff (next to hilt) becomes damp, please remove and dry slowly and completely before replacing.
Use a microfibre cloth for cleaning nickel-plated components including guards and scabbards and for polishing the high-carbon steel blade. Any stubborn marks can be safely and easily eradicated with a quality metal polish called AutoSol. Use AutoSol sparingly to ensure that polish does not become ingrained in intricate parts of the guard or scabbard. Also ensure that you do not get “AutoSol” on the black grip as this may be difficult to remove.
Gold-plated components including guards, scabbard mounts and chapes should be gently polished with a soft microfibre cloth. Never use polishing or cleaning products on the gold-plating and do not polish too vigorously.
If you use your sword to cut a wedding cake it is important to clean the blade as soon as possible as sugar can cause corrosion. Wash the cake off the blade ensuring that you thoroughly dry it immediately and then protect it with either an application of Vaseline or Renaissance Wax before replacing it in its scabbard.
Do not use your sword to open champagne bottles. Your sword does not have the weight for this particular task. A ‘Champagne Sabre’ has a shorter, thicker blade and is designed specifically for this task.
Our Sword Care Kit will provide you with all you need to keep your sword in pristine condition. The Care Kit includes Renaissance Wax, Vaseline, two polishing cloths, a pair of white gloves and sword care instructions. We would recommend that you clean your sword at regular intervals throughout the year using these products.
We suggest that you apply Vaseline for the normal storage of your sword. After using your sword, always remember to clean the blade with a soft cloth and then apply a thin layer of Vaseline before replacing it in its scabbard.
When preparing your sword for use, remove the Vaseline with a soft cloth and apply the Renaissance Wax. Once you have applied the product buff the blade until the wax is no longer visible. Please be aware that the wax dries hard instantly so buff immediately after application.
Renaissance Wax is one of the finest cleaner/polishes available and is widely used by museums and conservators to protect their artifacts. This product will not only give your blade some protection against the elements whilst on parade but can also be used if your sword is kept on display. Always re-apply the wax periodically to ensure a good coating at all times and always remember to clean your blade with a soft cloth after use even if you have applied the wax.
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