How to Sharpen a Sword
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.
Things You'll Need
- Metal file
- Whetstone
- Whetstone oil
- 400-grit emery paper
- Paper or towel
- Block of wood
Instructions
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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.
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2
Place the file at a 30-degree angle. Carefully use measured downward strokes on the sword blade to roughly sharpen it.
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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.
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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.
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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.
