Well, I sharpened my Tarwar today. Carefully went through a progression of 1 x 30" Lee Valley belts. 40 micron, then 20 & 15 & 9. Then stropped with an easy touch on LV's leather belt charged with 0.5 micron compound. Now all 20" of edge is shiny shaving sharp. Problem is... now I'm afraid of it! Dang thing is like a 2-foot razor blade. I used to be casual about admiring the balance, the look, the feel. Now I'm really careful about even touching it. I plan to mount my HI swords on the wall. Sure hope I remember to tell my guests not to touch them.... or someone is going to bleed.