how do you sharpen a sword?

Question

i need to make it razor sharp.

Answer 1

First point: Swords are not big knives. Don't use a knife sharpener on any kind of sword.

Second point: The edge geometry varies by the type of sword. Japanese swords are polished (not sharpened) to a razor edge while most medieval and military swords have an edge that is less sharp. This is a trade off between sharpness and the ability of the sword to keep the edge. Very sharp swords tend to dull very quickly. You don't need it razor sharp to cut.

I also wonder why you need a sharp sword. Have you been trained in using a sword? I know many expert swordsmen, but I only know one who polishes swords (and he doesn't work on antiques or art swords). Sharpening swords correctly takes expensive equipment, knowledge and time.

You can learn by serving an apprenticeship with a sword polisher or smith who sells practical weapons. You could also contact sword finishers like Christian Fletcher or Swordstore to see if they will be willing to sharpen your sword for you.

Unless the sword is made by a reputable, named swordsmith they will probably refuse. Do not sharpen any antiques unless you really want to lose the sword's value.

Answer 2

It matters as to what kind of a sword it is. If a modern show sword good luck, for it won't ever become razor sharp, for it is made of poor quality steel. If an old sword, you have to take it to a pro to be sharpened, for you can ruin it. There is a knack to sharpening swords. Good luck.

Answer 3

Go to a shop and buy a blade sharpener if you wanna spend money.

Or go and find a hard rock and rub against it for hours.

If you get the blade sharpener put the sword against the sharpening part and move it up and down, or else you'll break your sword or make it unsharp.
After that.... stab the guy that you want to stab with your sword 0_0

Answer 4

some swords arent mesnt to be sharpened, it must have a double edge already... most knives will have a single edge, that you can sharpen with a whetstone, but swords usually dont have either side prepared to sharpen...
why do you need one razor sharp anyway? if you need somethingrazor sharp, get a razor

Answer 5

if you have a sword, its like an axe, doesn't have to be that sharp. if you do sharpen one, best advice is b e c a r e f u l

Answer 6

Most of the time a leather strop is sufficient to restore the edge. When resharpening is needed, contact [a professional swordmaker] for details. If you decide to resharpen the blade yourself, use quality stones. We recommend Japanese water stones or Arkansas stones.

Answer 7

Get a whet stone or strop and some oil and get ready to work. You might try to find an SCA (Society for Creative Anachronists) group--just about guaranteed you will find someone willing to talk your ear off about the best technique :)

Answer 8

Go to the sward shop and buy a sward sharpener