This one’s kind of interesting.

[soje]

TLDR: I’m sharpening this for a young man, and don’t know what kind of steel this is but I think I can use my Shapton pros on it.


My friend’s son is really into knives and swords. His father knows some sword skills and he’s training him. He has a few pretty neat knives. es, swords, and odd bladed weapons. There ar no stamps on the steel. It honestly looks like a pretty dang cheap knife. And with that I’m wondering what the steel is. If it’s 440 I can get it razor sharp.



i’m pretty sure I’m just gonna need my Shapton Pro on an Edge Pro Apex.

but before I do that I’d like to ask if there is any potential of me damaging the steel. I think I got a good shot of a couple of good dents or maybe chips on the bevel towards the middle and then the tip has been trashed. I’m gonna try to get these pictures the right size and upload them.

 

[soje]

I guess I got a shrink the files down somehow

 

[soje]

 

[soje]

 

[catspa]

Will it be a big deal if you scratch it up a little? That’s the worst I can see happening with hand stones. Power equipment is a different story.

“If he’s old enough to use it, he’s old enough to sharpen it.” That’s what Pa woulda said. He issued me a cheap carborundum stone when I was about 6, probly figuring I could dull a knife faster than he could sharpen it.

Parker

 

[gazz98]

^ This. Unless you go overboard, scratches will be the problem.

A form of 440 steel is a good bet.

 

[not2sharp]

I would be more concerned about whether this thing is safe to use. Sometimes they are dull for a purpose.

A trip to a hospital because the blade shattered or separated from the handle would end the fun for all.


n2s

 

[3fifty7]

Sounds like it will be more of a basher than a slicer, Id put a pretty stout edge if any at all.
I don’t know the back story of how you ended up with it to sharpen but I’d certainly speak to the father especially if this is being used as a trainer.

 

[killgar]

It looks like a decorative piece. I'd be surprised if it has any heat treatment at all.

 

[HeavyHanded]

If it has no markings of any kind I'd be surprised if it had steel good enough to qualify for sharpening. But...many years ago I bought a cheap katana from Sportsman's Guide - right out of the box I actually cut through a radial tire with it, including the bead bundle (took a few extra swings per). Edge had surprisingly little damage.

But yes, to echo other voiced concerns if that thing were sharp and breaks in use it could kill someone. If they want a sharp piece for cutting mats and such they should spend a few bucks and get one that is made for the job - entry level ones are not very expensive.