If using your sword or dirk to cut a wedding cake, first lightly coat the blade with butter or cooking oil (not olive oil). This will prevent the gooey stuff in the cake from adhering to the blade and causing no end of damage.

After cutting the cake wipe the blade and, as soon as possible, wash it (point down) in hot soapy water and then thoroughly dry with a soft towel. Allow the blade to air dry over night (again point down), then lightly oil and place it back in its sheath or scabbard.