How To

How to Sharpen a Sword

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor
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Sharpening sword blades should only be done on newer swords or blunt swords that previously did not have an edge. You'll need patience when doing sword sharpening. Before sharpening a particular sword be certain that doing so will not void any warranty for the sword.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Metal file
  • Whetstone
  • Whetstone oil
  • 400-grit emery paper
  • Paper or towel
  • Block of wood
  1. Step 1

    Lay your sword on a table with one side propped up on the block of wood. Be sure there is enough lighting to see the sword edge clearly.

  2. Step 2

    Place the file at a 30-degree angle. Carefully use measured downward strokes on the sword blade to roughly sharpen it.

  3. Step 3

    Apply oil to the whetstone. Place the sword blade across the stone at a 30-degree angle in a slow and measured stroke. You are polishing the blade here so this is a back and forth motion, not a circular one.

  4. Step 4

    Dampen a small piece of 400-grit sandpaper with water. Glide the paper down the blade at a 30-degree angle. This must be done very gently because your fingers can easily slip and you can cut yourself.

Tips & Warnings
  • Don't use a good sword the first time you sharpen a blade.
  • Turn the blade over multiple times as you begin to sharpen it with the file so one edge isn't thinner than the other.
  • Avoid any distractions while sharpening the sword or you could cut yourself.
  • Don't sharpen an antique sword yourself since you can damage the blade.
  • Don't try to make the process go faster by using power tools. They heat up the blade and can warp it.

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