The Art and Technique of Sharpening Swords Without Damage

In the world of sword enthusiasts, maintaining and sharpening one's blade is an essential skill. However, it is crucial to understand the nuances of each sword's specific geometry and sharpening needs to avoid damage while achieving optimal performance.

Understanding Sword Geometry and Angles

When it comes to sharpening swords, the geometry and angles of the blade play a significant role. Different types of swords require different angles to ensure proper cutting performance. For instance:

Oakeshott Type Swords: A hard Arkansas stone works effectively at an angle of 17–20°. Middle Eastern Swords: These typically require a sharpening angle of 15°. Most European Swords: These generally fall within an angle range of 20–22°. Asian Blades: While many Asian blades can be sharpened similarly to European blades, Japanese swords, in particular, are not sharpened in the same way. They are polished to achieve sharpness, and the same applies to Korean jian. The sharpening angle for Asian blades, excluding knives, is generally between 13° and 15°.

Common Sword Collectors and Their Practices

For many sword collectors, maintaining their blades ensures they remain in top condition for display and historical significance. Some collectors, like those who exclusively collect military or historical swords, may never need to sharpen their blades. In the words of one collector, "I have a collection of military swords, Samurai swords, etc., and I've never sharpened any of them and they are all very sharp."

However, for collectors who use their swords for demonstration or for competition, regular sharpening is necessary. For example, pocket knives are sharpened frequently to maintain their sharpness. Similarly, large survival knives require a keen edge for effective use, which necessitates regular sharpening.

The Technical Perspective: Is Sharpening Inevitably Destructive?

From a technical standpoint, any act of sharpening a blade is inherently destructive. The process involves slowly grinding away at the metal until the desired edge is achieved, and then finer grits are used for polishing. While this does cause some damage, the amount is minimal and necessary to ensure the blade's effectiveness.

The statement, "If you sharpen it enough you eventually sharpen the blade out of existence," is true but slightly hyperbolic. In practical terms, the process of sharpening a sword would take a considerable amount of time and effort—either through deliberate intent or a lifetime of use.

Practical Advice for Sword Owners

For most sword owners, the frequency of sharpening depends on the blade's usage. Kitchen knives, for instance, are often sharpened to the point where users start to notice wear, but swords used for demonstration or competition should be maintained at a much higher standard. If regular sparring or hacking is involved, a professional can help maintain the perfect geometry and angle required.

For enthusiasts, keeping their swords in top shape involves a combination of regular maintenance and, when necessary, professional sharpening. Understanding the specific requirements of each type of blade is key to avoiding unnecessary damage and ensuring optimal performance.