noun
wiping paper; paper for wiping (esp. swords)
Refers to paper used for wiping, especially for cleaning swords. Often associated with traditional sword maintenance.
刀の手入れには、拭い紙が欠かせない。
Wiping paper is essential for sword maintenance.
彼は拭い紙で刀身を丁寧に拭いた。
He carefully wiped the blade with wiping paper.
懐紙 is a general term for paper carried in one's pocket, often used for wiping or as a tissue, while 拭い紙 specifically refers to paper for wiping, especially in the context of sword care.
Compound of 拭い (ぬぐい, 'wiping', the continuative form of 拭う) and 紙 (がみ, 'paper'). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but the term is associated with traditional Japanese sword maintenance.