Swords are popularly perceived as more than just decorative items for walls or costume accessories. It’s difficult to resist collecting these lovely curios because they come in so many different forms and aesthetics.
Consequently, how do I sharpen a sword? The sharpening tool can be set down on a stable surface, such as a table. After that, pass the blade through the tool in a series of even, fluid motions.
This edge may become dull over time and need to be sharpened. There are safe and efficient ways to maintain your sword’s appearance, even though the idea of working on a blade that has traditionally been used as a weapon can be intimidating. We’ll discuss how to sharpen your sword using resources that are close at hand in this blog.
How to Sharpen a Sword?
File the Blunt Edge
If any oil, dust, or residue has accumulated since you last sharpened the sword, start by carefully wiping it down with a thick cloth. Run the cloth very delicately and without applying pressure along the blade to prevent cutting yourself.
After the blade has been thoroughly cleaned, place the sword on a table and place a block of wood near the tip to raise the blade. On one side of the blade, at a 30-degree angle, use even strokes of the metal file. You can divide the blade into halves or thirds, depending on how long it is, and work on one section at a time. Make sure to switch sides after each few strokes to ensure an even filing.
Stop filing when an edge starts to show. Simply scrape away metal until the edge is visible at this point to accomplish your goal. You will be sharpening it next, so don’t worry if it’s very rough at this point.
Sharpening the Blade on a Whetstone
Whetstones come in a range of grit sizes, from very coarse (grit levels 200 and below) to very fine (grit levels 8000). A medium grit of 1000 to 1500 should be sufficient for sword sharpening.
To lubricate the whetstone and promote better sharpening, smear a thin layer of honing oil over it. (Most sporting goods and gun shops sell this oil.) Use water as a lubricant rather than oil when using a Japanese water stone.
Once the stone’s surface has been oiled, move the blade back and forth across it at a 30-degree angle while making sure to use uniform, smooth strokes and steady pressure. Wear protective gloves when sharpening a two-sided sword to keep your hands safe.
To sharpen a blade more effectively, divide its length into sections and use the same number of strokes on each side, flipping the blade after a few strokes to maintain consistency.
Be sure to keep an eye out to see if an edge is developing. A sheet of paper can be used to test the blade after wiping off any remaining oil or water. You’ll need to sharpen it again if the paper is torn or ripped.
Tip: The oil will turn discolored as you sharpen because of leftover blade and stone material. When this occurs, wipe it off the stone and then reapply oil.
Blend the Edge
Tear or cut out a 2″x2″ piece of 400-grit sandpaper and run it up and down both sides of the blade at a 30-degree angle to blend the edge with the rest of the sword. When finished, use a wet cloth to clean the blade to get rid of any remaining metal shavings, oil, or residue. You should be thorough because leftover material left uncleaned could result in rust developing on the blade. Dry it with a clean cloth once you’re finished.
Tip: This step can also be used to deburr your sword and sharpen the edge if it becomes dull from repeated use.
Shortcut- Using a Blade Sharpener
You can purchase a blade-sharpening tool if you’re new to sharpening swords or if you lack confidence doing it by hand. Although they won’t give you a razor-sharp edge like hand sharpening will, they are a great way for beginners to safely maintain the health of their swords. Typically, you can locate them in sporting goods shops, kitchen supply stores, or niche websites catering to sword collectors.
Set the tool down on a stable surface. Depending on the model you purchased, it might be able to attach to a vise, clamp to your work surface, or not even require a secure connection at all. Make sure to read and comprehend the sharpener’s instructions.
When you are prepared, pass the sword through the sharpening device. For an evenly sharp edge, start at the base and pull the blade through the V-shaped notch. Spend roughly 10 minutes on each side of the blade as a general rule, but check the documentation as sharpening times can vary by tool.
To prevent rust from accumulating on the blade afterward, wipe the blade down with a moistened cloth to remove any residue, and then wipe it down once more to dry.
Should You Sharpen Your Sword?
The reason you are sharpening your sword must be carefully thought out and considered. Is it really necessary? As someone who has used a sword for practice or just for fun, I implore you to refrain from sharpening it. I know firsthand how easily a small error can result in serious tissue damage that lasts for a very long time. A brand-new sword was dropped by a friend of mine, and he unconsciously reached out to grab it. Before he even realized what had happened, the sword had fallen to the ground hilt-first, and in his attempt to grab it, he impaled his arm on the point. Even now, many years later, the scar still stings when touched. Much worse things could have happened. What if he’d reached down to grab it?
You are an adult who is responsible for everything you do, so I don’t want to sound patronizing, but please consider the risks before sharpening a sword.
It’s also important to be aware that a sword could be made that is too sharp for actual use. Any cutting sword, including katanas, do not need to be razor sharp. During combat, a sword that has been overly sharpened frequently deals less damage to an adversary and has a propensity to chip and glance off bone. However, in the same situation, a properly sharpened sword will cut off a limb.
The best way to determine whether a sword is sharp enough is to cut with it while employing the proper techniques.
It’s a good idea to use some water and a small piece of steel-grade abrasive paper to toughen up the edge of your newly acquired sword. On one side of the blade, very carefully run the piece of paper at a 30-degree angle. Small burs and notches are eliminated by doing this, which is frequently enough to get the blade back to the desired sharpness.
Conclusion
There are, of course, countless ways to sharpen a sword, and many of them depend on the kind of blade you have or the edge you want to create. Before beginning any sharpening work, it’s crucial to do your homework and have a clear understanding of your goals.
Before beginning on anything of value, I would advise beginners to practice using less expensive blades (or, better yet, something made of steel that is almost worthless).
FAQs
Can You Sharpen a Sword?
The blade is sharpened using a metal file to emphasize the edge, then the blade is sharpened on a whetstone, and finally the finished edge is blended using an abrasive. You can also purchase a specialized tool for sword sharpening if you’re a beginner.
Can You Sharpen a Dull Sword?
Swords and other edged weapons are popular collectibles among hobbyists. But over time, the edge of any sword will start to dull and need to be sharpened. It might seem like a scary job, but practice will make perfect. You can maintain the sharpness of your blade with a metal file, a sharpening stone, and some oil.
How Did Samurai Sharpen Their Swords?
The katana’s blade would first be sharpened on a water stone with a lower grit before moving on to one with a higher grit. Following the sharpening of the edge, this person would start sharpening the tip, also using water stones.