How to Sharpen Your Sword

For a collector or an enthusiast, swords are a great choice. Or even as someone building the most epic costume, you would likely add in a sword to complete the entire get-up. However, swords, be they for entertainment or collection, get dull with time and could rust just sitting there. There are different methods to sharpen and maintain a sword. But, figuring out the best way is essential for sword keeping. All you need to sharpen the blade is gun oil, a flat bevel, a sharpening stone, or a metal filer. How To Know When Your Sword Needs Sharpening? Before you set out to restore the effectiveness of your sword, you must know what's the best time to service it. Over time, your sword will become dull from use. You will notice this when cutting things, as the sword will not slice as cleanly or easily as it did when it was first sharpened. If you want to keep your sword in good condition, you will need to sharpen it on a regular basis. There are a few ways to tell when your sword needs sharpening. One is simply by sight; if the edge of the blade is not as sharp as it used to be, then it probably needs to be sharpened. Another way to tell is by feel; if the blade feels “sticky” when cutting through something, that is a sign that it is not as sharp as it could be. If you are not sure whether or not your sword needs to be sharpened, it is always better to err on the side of caution and sharpen it sooner rather than later. A sharp sword is a safe sword, and it is much easier to sharpen a sword that is only slightly dull than one that is very dull. How To Sharpen Your Sword? Assuming you don't have a professional sword sharpener nearby, here are some tips on how to sharpen your sword at home. With a little care and practice, you can keep your sword razor-sharp. First, you'll need to gather a few supplies. You'll need a sharpening stone, a honing oil or water, and a cloth. A whetstone is the best type of sharpening stone to use, but you can also use medium or coarse-grit sandpaper. If you use sandpaper, make sure to wet it first so it doesn't clog up with metal filings. Next, you need to find the right angle to sharpen your blade. The angle you use will depend on the type of sword you have. For instance, Japanese swords are usually sharpened at a steeper angle than European swords. Once you've found the right angle, it's time to start sharpening. Start with the stone at the base of the blade and work your way up. Use long, even strokes and apply moderate pressure. Be sure to keep the stone lubricated with oil or water to prevent it from clogging up. After a few strokes on each side of the blade, you should start to see a burr forming along the edge. This is a good sign that the blade is being sharpened. Continue sharpening until the burr extends the entire length of the blade. Once the burr is formed, it's time to switch to the other side of the blade and repeat the process. After a few strokes on each side, the burr should fall off and you'll be left with a sharp, shiny blade. Now that you know how to sharpen your sword, it's important to keep it in good condition. Always clean and oil your blade after use, and store it in a dry, safe place. With a little care, your sword will stay sharp for many years to come. To explore different knives and swords, visit SwordsSwords.com.