edge reprofile on Tactical Katana/wakizashi?

BePrepared

BePrepared

Joined
Aug 26, 2010
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I just got my Tac Waki a few days back and i think i might be interested in having the blade reprofiled to something that's a bit more long term durable.

is this possible?

I'm thinking something like a convex edge which will give it better edge retention while maintaining at least some of the cutting characteristics you'd get in a standard full flat grind

I really don't know much about this so someone please cure my ignorance.

also if anyone knows someone who can sharpen a sword in or near Austin tx, that would be welcome information
 
I don't really think a convex grind is a good thing for a slicer like the waki...just saying. You'll really lose a lot of performance. The flat grind should be fine, depending on what you're planning on doing with it. If you're planning on chopping trees and other things that you shouldn't hit with a sword anyways, perhaps that might be a good idea, but then, I admit I'm one of the people who thinks that if you're going to chop things with a Japanese-styled sword, you probably shouldn't be allowed to own one. Call me old-fashioned, I guess. For anything that you SHOULD be cutting with a sword, the current grind should be perfectly durable. If you want, you can reprofile the angle a bit so you can touch it up yourself, which would certainly be cheaper than having it professionally sharpened.
 
the problem is, this particular blade will be carried (if ever) on my back in a 2 point baldric. Drawing at that angle often puts the blade in contact with the Saya. It has already resulted in the slight dulling of the upper edge of the blade.

I am not even remotely qualified to sharpen the grind on this blade. If I even try, i'll end up with a significant secondary bevel... that would be a disaster on this blade.

can you suggest an alternative?

this will never be a traditionally used blade. It will be an "IF SHIT" blade and part of my kit in the event that something ever calls on me to use a blade in less than optimal conditions

The size and weight of this weapon is ideal for what i have in mind. The edge seems less durable in its current configuration that i would like
 
The blade gets dulled because the saya is fiberglass, I think, and that dulls blades quickly, regardless of what type of grind you use. I'd recommend you practice drawing and sheathing it a LOT, until you get a groove worn into the saya where the blade gets drawn. That will protect the edge more. Then have it professionally sharpened (I'd try richard j on the forums here).
 
Okey dokey...

Generally speaking, Japanese swords would have what's called a Moran, or Appleseed, grind. What that means for us is: it's convexed. There's a reason for that, well quite a few reason for that, actually! ;)
Anywho, look up the sand paper and mousepad trick...takes some time, but does the job with minimal skill required.
My Tactical Wakizashi has a bit of convexing to it already, and considering the steel and heat treat and whatnot, then it's where it needs to be for me.
My two cents, y'all!

-Joe

PS - ditch the fiberglass and bend some kydex!
 
fiberglass will eat an edge real quick. i would get a leather sheath made for it. i convexed one a few months ago for a member. it turned out great.
 
actually, it didn't work from my home for some reason, but it works from my office. I'll have to figure out what that's about.

i'll be looking for your email. I didn't see much about pricing on the site, but i haven't had a lot of time to look at it.
 
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