sharpening tips

[andysoard]

I dont know if this has already been posted, but I was wondering if anyone has any tips on sharpening a sword. I have basic knowedge and have the Masahiro sharpening kit, but when I use it it seems to kinda dull the blade even more. Is it because of the angle I have when I sharpen? Any tip will help out.

[Taygrd]

Take a magic marker and run it down the cutting edge of the blade making a thin line along the ha. This way when you start to sharpen the blade you should be removing the magic marker if the angle is correct. This only works if you have not altered the cutting edge severely. You should keep the same angle with the stone down the blade. This will give you a visual guide and feel.

[Caliper]

this might help you

http://www.ksky.ne.jp./~sumie99/togi,process.html (http://www.ksky.ne.jp./%7Esumie99/togi,process.html)

but remember that traditional japanese sword sharpening and polishing takes decades to learn by the masters and requires extreme patients and concentration, so if things don't seem to be coming out to well don't get frustrated, it will not be easy...

more important thing is to not ruin the ha by altering it's geometry
good luck :celebration:

[Caliper]

found this also

http://www.knivesshipfree.com/p4/Sharpening-Videos/pages.html

[Kurubushi Kamu]

I've been using a ceramic rod and leather strop to true and hone the edges of my knives and swords for years now. The last link provided by Caliper is very useful. Just be careful not to round off your edge using stones, I find the ceramic rod takes the least amount off of your blade and the strop polishes the steel making a smoother surface and sharper edge. Good Luck! KK

[andysoard]

thanks everyone. I'll keep working on my sharpening skills.