OT (slightly) sharpening swords

BobD · #1 06-07-2005, 09:52 AM

A friend of mine collects swords--and he wants my help sharpening them. They are carbon steel, full tang, but I'm not sure how to even start...

Bob

rick-in-seattle · #2 06-07-2005, 09:58 AM

Bob,
Swords are a horse of a different color.
This is the most knowledgable man I know on the subject:
http://www.dfoggknives.com/

AlArchie · #3 06-07-2005, 10:01 AM

Bob, I haven't sharpened any swords, but have done draw knives, machettes, axes, adzs, etc. Best method I've found for the longer blades is to use a diamond hone, drawing it lengthwise and slightly into the edge at about a 10 to 15 degree angle (20 to 30 total). Start with the same approach for sharpening a knife; 10 strokes to one side, 9 to the other, 8 back to the first, 7...........etc. I suppose you could use a good carborundum stone and finish with a ceramic to put a razor edge on the blade.

Got a question, though. Why would anyone want to sharpen a sword? Aren't most for historic asthetic display anyway? Can't quite see what a razor edge on that would acccomplish.

Al

rick-in-seattle · #4 06-07-2005, 10:04 AM

Al,
I agree completely.

BobD · #5 06-07-2005, 10:05 AM

He spent the weekend hacking up brush in my back yard with them--after sharpening them wiht a file...I'm not quite sure actually, but...

I know I wouldn't want to sharpen mine...he said something about home protection...perhaps I don't want to help him...
Bob

rick-in-seattle · #6 06-07-2005, 10:08 AM

Hmmm,
Sounds about one brick short of a full load.

AlArchie · #7 06-07-2005, 10:24 AM

Wow, that's a pretty severe misuse of a sword. (kinda like using a good Cape Forge for a steak knife) .....heck, they make machettes and brush hooks specifically for that purpose. Oh, well, to each his own! Kinda got a chuckle out of it though...one of my best friends is an eccentric old fella who might have done exactly the same thing, had he had a sword! But that's a whole 'nutter story. Don't part company with your friend for eccentric ways, though......you know, we all have some quirks.

Al

BobD · #8 06-07-2005, 10:29 AM

No, I will just call before coming over to visit...he isn't the type of person I'd want to surprise...even if I am a better swordsman than he is based on our lightsaber battles <grin>

Bob

carver6 · #9 06-07-2005, 02:17 PM

I always figured when using a knife or sword, you have to get way to close to the intruder, if you're trying to protect your home and family. I want something I can use from about 20 or 30 feet, then call the cops to come haul him away when I'm done.

Garon

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #10 06-07-2005, 03:14 PM

a bazooka or a tank comes to mind!