Found this pleasant (though a bit long) read on the Arma web site discussing historical evidence regarding the prevention of damage to sword edges. Lots of interesting references, from Norse Tales, to Shakespeare, to quotes of experience from the late Paul Champagne himself, a fellow Ranger and Middle Earth historian in his own right. Thought you all might get a kick out of it.
http://www.thearma.org/essays/damagededge.htm
good times!