Hold the saya (scabbard) with the edge up in your left hand with the thumb away from you.
Hold the tsuka (handle) near the tsuba (handguard) with the thumb away from you.
The kojiri (end of the saya) should be lower then the handle.
Release the habaki (collar) from the saya by gently pushing the tsuba.
Draw in one slow and steady motion.
Maintain contact with the mune (back) of the sword against the saya.
Make sure the blade does not to touch the inside of the saya (lest for the mune).
Put the saya to you left beside you with the “sharp side” facing out and the koiguchi (mouth) of the saya facing back.
Look at the general state of your sword, is it straight; can you see any scratches or stains that might need more attention then usual?
Remove the oil that’s still on the blade with a piece of cleaning washi (japanese paper)**
Work from the habaki tot the kissaki (point).
Move in smooth motions along the blade.
When reaching the kissaki, don’t move back and forward but only away from you, as not to stab yourself.
Apply uchiko (powder). This is a fine powder that comes from one of the last stones in the polishing proces: uchigomori.
Apply dots on both sides of the blade about 6-7cm apart.
Don’t apply too close to the habaki. Especially if you have a kaki-toshi-hi or kaki-nagashi-hi (where the groove extends under the habaki.
To remove the uchiko from under you habaki requires disassembling the tsuka.
Remove the uchiko with an other piece of washi.
Again only move away from yourself as you near the kissaki
With a small cloth apply a thin coat of oil on the blade.
Don’t apply to much oil. A light sheen over the blade is enough, drops of oil means you’ve applied too much.
Remove small pieces of wood from the inside of you saya by gently tapping the koiguchi on the floor. Use a pillow or a tatami, so the lacquer doesn’t chip.
With care place the kissaki in the koiguchi and slowly place the sword back in the scabbard.
And you’re done.
*If it’s too tight: first push the habaki loose with your thumb while holding it like you were drawing and then return to this position.
**If you don’t have actual washi you can use (non-lotion) tissue paper, but make sure to remove possible scratching fibers from it by forming it into a ball; unfold and shake to remove the fibers and dust.
