I've read a bit about "sharpening" katanas, and it sounds like it's a bad idea to try myself. From what I gather, they need to be polished. On the other hand, that can be very expensive, so I'm just wondering how my Spyderco would do? It's not a very expensive sword, and it's mainly for display, anyway, so I'm not too worried about perfection.
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Anyone use a Spyderco Sharpmaker to sharpen a katana?
- Thread starter E.T.
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I'm gonna be a killjoy here and ask; if it's for display, why would you need to sharpen it?
Also, I'm not sure the Sharpmaker would work, but I don't really know for sure. Let me ask; can you pull the blade down the rods like a knife?
Also, I'm not sure the Sharpmaker would work, but I don't really know for sure. Let me ask; can you pull the blade down the rods like a knife?
i can tell you from my younger and dumber days, the sharpmaker would be very diffucult to use depending on your wingspan and the length of the sword.
my advice would be to take it to a pro, or research how to sharpen swords, and look for sources that actually make or sell swords.
i got a katana pretty sharp useing stones, but its not consistant down the entire blade. i think your sharpener needs to be affixed to the bench like a bench grinder with proper attachments.
is this a high quality katana ?
if the goal is to have a nice one honed for slicing fun, i think the price of a proffesional job would make for lots better cutting.
my advice would be to take it to a pro, or research how to sharpen swords, and look for sources that actually make or sell swords.
i got a katana pretty sharp useing stones, but its not consistant down the entire blade. i think your sharpener needs to be affixed to the bench like a bench grinder with proper attachments.
is this a high quality katana ?
if the goal is to have a nice one honed for slicing fun, i think the price of a proffesional job would make for lots better cutting.
Triton
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If it's an accurate katana edge you want a I don't believe a sharpmaker can do that since the geometry is more of what folks here would call an apple seed grind. If's a cheap katana that you just want a sharp edge on I think you would be better served by some files.
Thanks for the comments, everyone!
It's mainly for display, but it's nice to be able to do some backyard cutting. It's a replica of the sword from Walking Dead, so even though it's just something that looks cool above my fireplace, I'd like it to be as "real" as possible, hence the need for sharpness. The AMC officially licensed sword comes with a dull edge, so I found another version. It's pretty nice, actually.
For this sword, I'm not really too concerned about an accurate edge. I played around with the Sharpmaker a bit, but it was difficult due to the size of the blade. I put it in a clamp, and was able to use both hands to run the sword through it. I would say it worked reasonably well. It definitely feels sharper than it was when it came. I'm sure my work would make pros cringe. I would never try this with a very expensive sword, but I don't have any of those yet
Anyway, it sounds like in general, it's best not to try sharpening a katana by oneself (unless one isn't concerned with an accurate edge)?
It's mainly for display, but it's nice to be able to do some backyard cutting. It's a replica of the sword from Walking Dead, so even though it's just something that looks cool above my fireplace, I'd like it to be as "real" as possible, hence the need for sharpness. The AMC officially licensed sword comes with a dull edge, so I found another version. It's pretty nice, actually.
For this sword, I'm not really too concerned about an accurate edge. I played around with the Sharpmaker a bit, but it was difficult due to the size of the blade. I put it in a clamp, and was able to use both hands to run the sword through it. I would say it worked reasonably well. It definitely feels sharper than it was when it came. I'm sure my work would make pros cringe. I would never try this with a very expensive sword, but I don't have any of those yet
Anyway, it sounds like in general, it's best not to try sharpening a katana by oneself (unless one isn't concerned with an accurate edge)?
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Ok, I have an idea. Instead of guiding the sword, guide the rod. Meaning, put the sword in a vice and guide the rod down the blade. Go slower than molasses, and for pete's sake, wear gloves while doing this, LOL. Of course, I think you shouldn't use the rods at all, better to use sandpaper attached to a block of wood.
And depending on the thickness of the edge you want, you could use a sharpie to help you figure out if your angle is consistent.
And depending on the thickness of the edge you want, you could use a sharpie to help you figure out if your angle is consistent.
Triton
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I think that's accurate, especially if you have a high dollar sword (most don't). There's an entire craft involved with Japanese sword "polishing." Polishing with Japanese swords is really the art of blade shaping that is getting the entire geometry right including of course the edge. Those that practice it are called Togi I believe.
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It's a replica, is it stainless? If so, be careful. Stainless swords are fickle, even light cutting can make them decide they hate you and it's time to break now. On the other hand, you might have a stainless sword last forever.
Either way, if you're not worried about authenticity, you can always use a grinder for a quick edge, and get a buffing wheel to shine it back up.
Gotta be careful with that method, though.
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If it's just for you and not some historical gem then doing it yourself isn't impossible. I would use finger stones and rub them along the blade. Following the geometry which is already there is fairly easy. Light pressure and long even movements until it's sharper. It will take a few strokes until you get it but since you are doing it lightly you wouldn't mess it up until you reach that point. Once you try it you'll see. Talking and reading about it only helps so much. Just grab the stones already and follow the curves
You could also put a simple V on the edge if you don't care about original blade geometry too much.
You could also put a simple V on the edge if you don't care about original blade geometry too much.