How to Sharpen a Sword

I often get asked how to sharpen a sword.

Whether it is because the sword is unsharpened or simply not as sharp as you would personally want it to be or has become dull with use, knowing how to sharpen a sword is a skill that EVERY serious sword collector should have.

In this section of the site we will be looking at a variety of sharpening methods, including:

1. The Old Fashioned way - sharpening by hand
2. The modern way - sharpening with sanding belts
   
3. The consistent and easy way - DIY Sharpening rack &
   
4. The quick & lazy way a tool known as the 'accusharp'

However, one important caveat - BEFORE you decide to sharpen your sword, there is one very important thing you need to consider..

Does this sword really NEED sharpening?

There are several reasons why you might not actually want to sharpen your sword at all.

The first is, if the sword is going to be used for training purposes it is MUCH better off if it is not sharpened.. The reasons for this should be quite obvious, if the sword is unsharpened the chances of an accidental life threatening injury are GREATLY reduced..

But the second reason comes into play when you receive a cutting sword that does not feel sharp to casual observation or not as sharp as you were expecting.

This is much more common on Japanese Katana than any other style of blade. For one reason or another, many people think that a Japanese sword should be RAZOR sharp. But a sword can be too sharp - and you might be surprised to learn that a sword that feels razor sharp, if used in a battle would chip on the opponents bone. While one that feels unsharp and that you can even run your fingers along, would take their arm off at the shoulder..

This is due to the fact that the best made Japanese swords have what is called 'Niku' - which is basically the Japanese word for 'meat'.

Taking a Katana with Niku and applying the wrong sharpening technique is not a very good idea. However, if you do wish to just touch up the edge a little you can do so with a small square of fine steel grade abrasive paper, a little water and CAREFULLY run it at a 30 degree angle slowly along the blade's length one way and then again on the other side to clean up any microscopic burrs.

But I am getting ahead of myself here - this is actually step 3 of the most basic 3 step sharpening process, so let's take a look at how to sharpen a sword using this basic, tried and true method.

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How to Sharpen a Sword - Method 1

File, Whetstone & Sandpaper

To learn the 'file and whetstone' technique:

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How to Sharpen a Sword - Method 2

Tom Kinders Methods - Universal Sharpening by Hand or Sanding Belt

To learn how to sharpen a sword until it is SCARY sharp:

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How to Sharpen a Sword - Method 3

'Poor Man's sharpening rack'

To learn this this quick and easy method:

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How to Sharpen a Sword - Method 4

How to Sharpen a Sword the Lazy Way..

To learn how the lazy way to sharpen a sword:

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Bonus Method to Sharpen & Polish Katana

Developed over 50 years of experienced with blades and edges weapons, this tutorial is an easy and modern way to polish and sharpen a Japanese sword to razor sharp. mirror finish perfection - without needing to spend weeks doing it like a Togishi..

To learn this method of sharpening & polishing a Katana:

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Of course, there are many, many other techniques you can use to sharpen a sword, and of course a given technique that may work well on one type of sword may not work as well on another, just as one technique may also work well for a given individual person and not another. 

Each person finds their own method in time. The key to becoming a successful and consistent sword sharpener can be summed up in one word..

To read more methods of sword sharpening or share your own techniques or tools that work for you have a look below.

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I hope our guides on how to sharpen a sword have been helpful. To return to the Sword Buyers Guide homepage from How to Sharpen a Sword, click here