Important points to remember when caring for your kendo equipment

This is the ninth installment of our series in which we speak with Mr. Mikiya Tsuyuki, president of Musashibo "Kensen," a cleaning service specializing in kendo armor.

So far, President Tsuyuki has given us eight lectures on the general maintenance of kendo equipment, and in this final installment, he has given us some professional advice on the things to keep in mind when caring for your kendo equipment.

──Kensen-san is cheap, isn't he?

露木"Now it's time to really spread the word."

--Oh, to spread the word?

露木"Yes. It's to spread the word that kendo equipment can be washed. I'd actually like to receive a few more.

──That's right.

露木"I'd like a little more."

──In terms of the quantity and quality of work, right?

露木"Yes. Considering the work process, I would like to receive a little more.

──Yes, I think so.

露木"I'll try a little harder to let people know that it's washable now."

Be careful with deodorants

露木"Oh, there's one other thing you shouldn't do. Applying too much deodorant. Most deodorants contain fragrances, don't they? When two smells mix together, they turn into a completely different smell.

──I understand.

露木"Do you understand? It's quite common that an unbelievable smell that you've never smelled before comes from the gloves or the mask."

──Is there?

露木"I often think that if I hadn't used the deodorant, it would have been easier to remove.

──Ah, so if it's brought to you afterwards, is it difficult to get it out?

露木"It's a real problem. In addition to the fragrance, there's also a binder-like substance in the product that adheres the smell, so it's hard to remove from the fibers. In essence, deodorants also contain substances that help the ingredients stay in place, so if they mix with the smell of sweat, it can be a real problem.

──So, what about something like an unscented disinfectant spray?

露木"Basically, you're putting on impurities, or unnecessary substances, and they just keep accumulating. This can cause damage to the armor, so I think the best way to prevent odors is to avoid using those substances as much as possible and to dry the armor properly. That means drying it thoroughly."

Drying Technique

--So, what about putting a desiccant inside the armor bag when you leave it there?

露木"Silica gel might be okay. Silica gel is often found in foods.

──Would it be a good idea to put it in, for example, an armor bag?

露木"That's right. If you put it in, it will remove moisture. Silica gel, which quickly removes moisture, might be better. It's quite good. Even if you put it in shoes, it won't retain moisture, so it lasts longer and doesn't get smelly. Silica gel might be better. However, in the case of kendo equipment, if there are a lot of damp spots, it won't be able to remove all the moisture. It depends on the strength of the agent."

Ideal cleaning frequency

How often do you think it's best to wash it?

露木"It depends on the amount of practice. For example, if you practice every day, five or seven days a week, I think it's best to wash it about once every three months. At least once every six months. If not, I think it will last quite a long time if you wash the dirty parts once every six months to once a year."

--Will washing it too frequently affect its durability?

露木"I don't think there's any problem with durability. Rather than washing it too much, not washing it at all will cause durability problems. For example, holes appear on the inside of the kote because the shinai rubs against something dirty with sebum or the like. That's how the holes appear. It's like the sandpaper effect. The friction causes holes. So if you remove that dirt, the period during which the holes appear will be extended."

露木"Someone in the dry cleaning industry did an experiment with socks. One was washed every day, and the other was worn all the time. As for which one would get holes first, it was the one that was worn all the time. The reason for this is that dirt damages the fibers. In particular, when socks are rubbed or beaten, a lot of dirt and other unnecessary substances get into the fibers, which increases the friction and causes holes. So washing them leaves only the fibers, so they last longer.

露木"Also, the daily care of drying it can cause it to smell."

──You don't just leave it in your armor bag, right?

露木"That's right. It feels like you want to let it out properly."

Summary

This time, as a summary of all nine sessions, we were given an explanation of the important points to take care of when caring for kendo equipment.

Click here for the explanatory video →　https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyLJgjGlvtw&t=7s

After listening to President Tsuyuki's talk over the course of nine sessions, I realized that kendo equipment can last a long time if it is cared for properly.

As you mentioned at the end, the key point is "dryness."

From now on, I would like to take the armor out of the armor bag properly after practice and also try cleaning the kendo equipment.

Thank you for your cooperation, President Tsuyuki.

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