Be extremely careful during this step because one wrong move could cut you. Pay close attention to what you’re doing and run the rag up the blade very gently. Don’t apply pressure.
This table should be completely stable. Fix any wobbling before you start working on your sword. Make sure there is plenty of light in the area so you can see what you’re doing and avoid cuts.
Depending on the length of the blade, you can divide the blade into ½ or 1/3 sections and focus on each section individually. After filing both sides, continue to the next section. Keep your fingers safely away from the sword blade to avoid cuts. Pay attention so you always know where your fingers are relative to the blade.
It helps to count your strokes and switch after a certain amount. For example, you could count 10 strokes on one side, then flip the sword and count 10 on the other side.
Don’t test your blade for sharpness at this point. It hasn’t been fully sharpened yet and needs further work.
A very coarse grit would be used to fix cracks or breaks in a blade. A very fine grit would be used to make a cutting knife razor sharp. Sharpening stones are available in the knife section of many sporting goods stores. There are also specialized websites that sell sharpening equipment.
This type of oil is sold in many sporting goods or gun stores. Ask an employee for help if you can’t find the right product. If using a Japanese water stone, wet the stone with water instead of using oil. [8] X Research source
Depending on the length of the blade, you can divide the blade into ½ or 1/3 sections and focus on each section individually. After filing both sides, continue to the next section. Maintain the back and forth motion to ensure the blade gets an even edge. Keep your hand on the blunt side of the sword as you guide it across the stone. If you have a two-sided sword, wear specialized gloves to avoid cuts.
The number of strokes will vary depending on the type of sword you use. Check periodically to see if an edge is forming for an indication on how the sharpening is progressing. Test the blade periodically as well. Wipe the blade and see if it cleanly slices through a piece of paper. If there is any ripping or tearing, the blade isn’t ready yet.
Be extremely careful during this step. Your blade is now sharpened and any slips could result in a serious cut. Wearing gloves will help keep you safe.
Leaving residue behind could result in rust forming on your blade, so make sure you’ve cleaned it thoroughly.
Sporting goods stores and online sites sell a variety of sharpening tools, so start looking here. These tools are common in restaurant kitchens. If you don’t know where to start, a website that sells kitchen equipment may help. Don’t be shy about consulting an expert at a sporting goods store if you aren’t sure which product is best for you.
Different sharpening tools have different mechanisms for staying in place. Some clamp to a tabletop, some connect to a vice, and some don’t secure at all, meaning you have to press down as you sharpen to hold it in place. Whatever the mechanism your blade sharpener uses, follow all instructions that come with it.
The needed amount of sharpening time varies depending on the tool you use. Common advice is 10 minutes for each side of the blade. Keep your fingers on the blunt side of the blade while you guide it through the sharpening tool. If you have a two-sided sword, wear specialized gloves to avoid cuts.
Leaving residue behind could result in rust forming on your blade, so make sure you’ve cleaned it thoroughly. Be extremely careful while wiping the blade. It’s now sharpened and cant seriously injure you. Don’t apply any pressure while you wipe it. Simply run the rag up the blade.
