[Valdoyes]

I have a bottle of mineral oil from cvs which I am hoping to use on my high carbon steel katana, but I read the ingredients and it says in contains 99.9% Mineral oil, but doesn't say what the other 0.1% is and I'm worried that If it is water it may defeat the purpose of oiling my sword. If some one knows more about this could help me I would appreciate it.
P.S. I wasn't sure where to post this so if it is in the wrong section please let me know. Ty

[hellenmoranov]

I think its unlikely to be water since they don't mix easily and so it'd have to be emulsified thus taking on a milky sort of appearance. Whatever the other 0.1% is, I think its unlikely that it'll damage your sword since you'll be regularly and frequently reapplying and wiping the blade down.

[SHpuntik]

Ok, I suppose it's a preservative of some sort. Ty

[mikelangr]

I doubt it is a preservative since mineral oil needs no preservatives. It is something leftover from the refining process likely a petroleum compound of some type but unlikely to have any corrosive or other harmful effect on your sword. When you buy mineral oil you should look for USP grade.

[L6RLnyfl]

The 0.1% other stuff that is in mineral oil won't hurt your sword. What will hurt your sword is the fact that mineral oil from CVS is very thick and sticky. Much too thick for using as a sword oil. It will not cover the steel well, which can allow rust to form, and it will tend to gum up the inside of the saya, leading to trapped debris which can lead to rust. If you must use a substitute for choji, use sewing machine or 3-in-1 oil. Both of those are very light mineral oils. The best thing to do is to not be cheap, and spring the $15 for a bottle of choji. A single bottle will last for a number of years, and provide proven protection for your sword.

[Clolmemaexata]

If you use a high grade (USP) mineral oil it is light and not thick or sticky. As Paul said choji oil is still preferable (IMHO) but if you use mineral oil use UPS grade.

[skupaemauto]

Just noticed that I ended that with UPS... should be USP.

[Liskaspexia]

You probably cant find high grade mineral oil at a CVS, the stuff that I have I got thru fisher scientific....

[Arrectiff]

I use lighter 3 in 1 oil for most of my firearms, that *might* be adequate.

[ringsarcle]

Hi, I have used the 3-1 sewing machine oil for many years on my blades with no problems. I have heard of people using CRC but have not tried this and would not be keen to..........