October 17th, 2025
Complete Guide To Maintaining Swords & Armour
Whether you’re a hero on the LARP field, a weekend bruiser in armoured MMA or an avid master of HEMA, taking care of your weapons and armour is essential practice. Nothing ruins the immersion faster than drawing a rust-spotted sword or donning armour that squeaks and binds with every movement. Worse, wearing rusty armour can actually lead to injury, especially in combat situations. Proper maintenance isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about preserving your equipment’s functionality, safety and longevity.
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Corrosion Ruins Blades & Armour
Steel armour and weapons face constant threats from moisture, whether from sweat during intense combat sessions, morning dew at outdoor events or simple humidity in storage. Even supposedly “stainless” steel can develop surface rust under the right conditions. For those using historically accurate carbon steel pieces, the risk multiplies exponentially.
The combination of moisture, oxygen and time creates the perfect storm for corrosion. Add in the salts from perspiration and handling, and you’ve got a recipe for deterioration that can pit surfaces, weaken joints and ultimately destroy your carefully curated kit.
INOX Is Your Knight In Shining Armour
Knights would meticulously look after their gear because maintained armour could mean the difference between life and death. While things may not be that drastic in today’s day and age, you still risk injury by not keeping your armour and weapons oiled. Luckily, modern lubrication technology means you don’t need to stay hunched over your pauldrons or breastplate each afternoon, buffing and polishing your armour.
Advanced lubricants like LANOX MX4 keep armour in battle-ready shape, while providing long-lasting protection. Think of it like armour for your armour!
Many experienced practitioners in the LARP, HEMA and reenactment communities have discovered the effectiveness of LANOX MX4 for comprehensive gear protection. This heavy-duty, anti-moisture and anti-corrosion lubricant combines high-grade oil with a lanolin base and specialised chemical compounds to create a formidable barrier against rust, moisture and other corrosives.
The Lanolin Advantage
Lanolin, the natural wax derived from sheep’s wool (often called “wool fat” or “wool grease”), has protected sheep from harsh weather for millennia. When incorporated into LANOX MX4, it provides several key benefits:
- Superior moisture displacement: Lanolin naturally repels water, creating an invisible shield on metal surfaces
- Long-lasting protection: Unlike many synthetic lubricants, lanolin-based products adhere tenaciously to surfaces, maintaining protection between maintenance sessions
- Leather conditioning: You can’t have armour without leather and LANOX protects both! Unlike other products made to inhibit rust, LANOX MX4 is not just safe for leather, its lanolin formula nourishes and protects all leather straps, belts and other components integrated into the armour.
How To Keep Your Armour Fighting Fit
- Wipe down all metal surfaces with a clean, dry cloth to remove moisture and debris
- Inspect for damage or early signs of corrosion
- Remove rust spots using a mild abrasive, such as a Scotch-Brite pad. Spray any rust spots with LANOX MX4 — for light rust, scour immediately; for heavier rust, allow the formula to soak in for longer before scouring. Once the rust is removed, wipe away any excess product to prevent drips
- Apply a light coating of LANOX MX4 to all exposed metal, paying special attention to joints, rivets and areas where moisture might collect (or if you’ve got some INOX MX3 handy, that’ll work too).
- Work the lubricant into moving parts like hinges and articulation points
- Treat leather components if using LANOX MX4, allow the lanolin to condition straps and backing.
Note:
Removing Rust From Swords & Armour With INOX
When rust has already taken hold on your sword or armour, don’t panic – INOX products can help restore your gear to fighting condition. Start by applying LANOX MX4 directly to the rusted areas and let it penetrate for 10-15 minutes. The specialised chemical compounds work to break down the rust’s bond with the metal surface. For light surface rust, gently work the area with a fine abrasive like a scourer pad while the lubricant is still present, using circular motions to lift the corrosion without scratching the underlying metal. For stubborn rust spots, you may need to repeat the application and let it soak longer – the moisture-displacing properties help creep under the rust layer.
Once the rust is removed, wipe the area clean with a cloth, then apply a fresh protective coating of LANOX MX4 to prevent future corrosion. This same rust-removal process works equally well on chainmail, though you’ll want to work the product thoroughly through the links and may need to agitate them against each other to remove rust from hard-to-reach spots. Remember, the key is patience – let the product do the heavy lifting rather than aggressive scrubbing that could damage your gear’s finish or remove important surface details. Be sure to remember that one minute of prevention is worth 10 minutes of repair, so keep applying LANOX to ensure long-lasting protection.
Choosing Your Protection
While LANOX MX4 excels in comprehensive protection of both metal and leather components, INOX MX3 offers an excellent alternative for purely metal armour and weapons. The key differentiator is LANOX MX4‘s lanolin content, making it the superior choice when your kit includes leather elements that need simultaneous care.
Special Considerations For Different Materials
- Carbon steel: Requires more frequent application and thicker protective coatings
- Stainless steel: Benefits from regular treatment despite natural corrosion resistance
- Mixed materials: LANOX MX4‘s versatility shines when dealing with metal-leather combinations
- Chainmail: Work the lubricant thoroughly through links, considering light spray application for even coverage
The Bottom Line
Your swords and armour are more than just props or sporting equipment – they’re investments in your passion. Regular maintenance with quality products like LANOX MX4 or INOX MX3 ensures that your gear remains battle-ready for years to come. The time spent on prevention far outweighs the cost and effort of restoration or replacement.
Remember: a warrior’s equipment reflects their dedication to their craft. Whether you’re defending a castle in a LARP scenario, practising historical techniques in HEMA or educating audiences at living history events, properly maintained gear performs better, looks impressive and keeps you safe.
Take care of your steel, and it will serve you faithfully through countless adventures.