Must Read Sharping a katana

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I have a samori Sord it's in like new condition except it doesn't seem very sharp I am curious to see if you have any recommendations on how to sharpen it I was thinking about giving it a couple passes across my father's bench grinder however I'd hate to ruin the edge of the blade any suggestions for ways to sharpen it would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance for your advice. ShadowWolf 13
 
I have a samori Sord it's in like new condition except it doesn't seem very sharp I am curious to see if you have any recommendations on how to sharpen it I was thinking about giving it a couple passes across my father's bench grinder however I'd hate to ruin the edge of the blade any suggestions for ways to sharpen it would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance for your advice. ShadowWolf 13
Agree with Rellgar %100.

A guy on this forum named Roninsensi is the knife specialist.

I can tell you that sharpening an authetic, folded-steel katana is an involved process that takes specialized skills and materials.

If you do it wrong, you may destroy the blade.

An authetic katana is probably the deadliest weapon ever invented by human beings that doesn't involve a projectile, toxin, living animal, or explosion.

That is--of course--if you get expert training in its use.

Ask Roninsensi about such things. He is quite knowlegable about edged weapons.
 
By the way Shadowwolf, I used to live in upstate N.Y. when I was a teenager.

Whereabouts (approximately) do you live, if you don't mind me asking.

We used to live in the Albany area.
 
If you are serious about using a katana, study a martial art called kendo (or its ancestor martial art, called kenjutsu), and another martial art called iaido.

These arts are seperated into different schools, or ryu.

I tend to be very prejudiced in favor of the Tenshin-Shodan Katori school, and it's my understansing that there are a few instructors in this variety in New York, but there are many other schools that will also serve you very well.

Studying Japanese swordsmanship is a life-long commitment that involves a lot of focus, a lot of spirituality, and--lastly--an open mind.

If you try to wield a katana without knowing what you're doing, your assailant will likely take it away from you and promptly shove it up your ###.

So go to classes. Kendo can be a lot of fun.
 
Please don't ruin your sword. Get it sharpened by someone who knows what they're doing and learn from them the correct way. I love katana type swords and just thinking about destroying one makes me sad. (I don't know how to do it but I would assume that it would be best to do it with a stone by hand, where you have a lot more control than a grinder, but maybe I'm wrong.) Also maybe learn the correct names of your weapons?
 
Please don't ruin your sword. Get it sharpened by someone who knows what they're doing and learn from them the correct way. I love katana type swords and just thinking about destroying one makes me sad. (I don't know how to do it but I would assume that it would be best to do it with a stone by hand, where you have a lot more control than a grinder, but maybe I'm wrong.) Also maybe learn the correct names of your weapons?
Agree with you 100%.
 
Thanks to all for your advice and you'll be glad to know that I am searching for a professional to assist myself with the sharpening process
Good. And you should study kendo.

Also, buy a book called the Go Rin No Shu, or The Book of Five Rings, which was written hundreds of years ago by a polymath ronin samurai named Miyamoto Musashi.

If you study kendo (or have any interest in using a katana), you need this book.
 
I have a samori Sord it's in like new condition except it doesn't seem very sharp I am curious to see if you have any recommendations on how to sharpen it I was thinking about giving it a couple passes across my father's bench grinder however I'd hate to ruin the edge of the blade any suggestions for ways to sharpen it would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance for your advice. ShadowWolf 13

Hi ShadowWolf13, did you ever get your answer how to sharpen your sword? I did not see that Ronin ever answered. You need to find a good double-sided water whetstone or two single grade oilstones. The correct angle of sharpening is extremely important, the true "Katana" type of swords are especially made to cut and then act as a wedge and separate the two parts of that which was just cut. They are sharp, but not shaped like a razorblade, (thin or hollow).No matter what, KEEP THE STONES WET. With water and oil. The swordblade (or any other blade) grinds some of the stone material off, combined with the water or oil, this becomes a paste for sharpening. Do not wipe the paste off. Keep it wet and let it work. Keep any and all blades at an exact angle needed until the wished form and angle happens. Then go to the finer stone and finish the sharpening process. Do not attempt to cut paper and see how well the blade cuts!! That is a Rambo bullshit story. Yes it will cut if properly sharpened, but you are simply starting the next dulling process again. If you have a folded blade, is will sharpen itself a bit by losing tiny layers of the folded material when striking harder targets and materials. Care of the blade is absolute. Dry any blade immediately. Dry a folded blade/damast/high carbon-low chrome blade even sooner. Damast can be oiled or waxed prevent rust in storage. Check very often if your blades are not in an absolutely dry environment or storage! Take care of any and every knife, and it will serve you long and well also. Ask any questions if this was not enough. Live free, Gary
 
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Before we even go there I need to know make and model of katana. 99% of unsharpened katana are 440 wall hanger mall katana. If that’s the case I say post it to amazon for 10 bucks and get a good machete. So pics or make and model of katana please? Also Garps instructional wasn’t too bad for someone with the proper gear and know how. So if you have those then go for it. However judging by the way Samurai was spelled I’m assuming you are totally new to this. I’m here to help.
 
Also if the katana is worth a damn all the advise above is good. Get trained and maybe have an expert sharpen it.
Good morning Ronisensei, hope I didn't say too much for a beginner with his first sword sharpening attempt. Tried to keep it short and simple. (KISS) for Wolfshadow. I have a John Lee handforged which I pictured last week. Just short enough to carry and still hide well. Not legal in Germany to carry but, oh well. Started kendo back in 1974-75, but never ended the training since I left home in '76. Hope to never need it anyway, thanks for your judgment on my advice, GP
 
Your advise was just fine. There’s just some missing spots. Like what is the angle? And what stone to get coarse med fine? Grits and the like. There’s a lot to sharpening and you did very well to KISS it along. But let’s just start with what the hell is the blade and steel. Then we’ll see if it’s worth the hours of hand sharpening on a small stone to get it to actually katana shape and sharp. ;) Also what’s his intention for the blade? Cutting or combat? All of this is vital on what angle we will attempt in the sharpening and if we convex it or not.
 
Well, there I go. I assumed it he had a sword needing sharpening, it was of SOME quality. You and I could sharpen a soup spoon. Tried the KISS so as not to overload a beginner. Hoping he would answer, and question about the other things. Also why I said that about the cutting/wedge shape of a true samurai blade. Had a double-edged Chinese sword with a damast blade. The wife made me sell it after seeing it cut through a wrist thick branch on a tree in the back yard with one swing. Too sharp to have in the house with the grandkids...Thanks again, GP
 
Also Garp I have a hand made custom from a friend and would probably never use it because it’s beautiful and sharp as all hell. It has over 20k layers of folds. And was all sized for me. However if I’m gonna fight with one I have an inexpensive one from Condor that I recommend highly.
https://www.amazon.com/Condor-Tool-Knife-Tactana-Micarta/dp/B00CZ98PQA

It’s been a fun little beast and I’ve beat the crap out of it. It’s 1075 carbon so it’s tough enough. It also comes with an untraditional saiya made of leather. It’s fast and fun. This blade I’ve convexed for added strength and it still slices with ease.
 
I'll take a look, 'bout got enough on knives. Been outa work for 2 1/2 years after an on the job injury. Deaf in one ear, broken materials in my back and had epileptic spells for 9 months. Doing well now, all is fixed but still half deaf. ( I get to ignore some shit from the wife now, just act like she was talking in the wrong ear) Money is tight and I spent a lot on some of my stuff in the last years. I know swords have a longer reach, but I am still stuck on one of my bigger german knives with the bowie shape.
 
Was it a Chinese Jian?! Those are sweet! And one in Damascus?! I’m a little mad at your wife now. Lol.
Yes, and it had been drilled every 4 inches just off center in a zig-zag to not weaken the blade, alternating on each side with a brass ring in each hole, with a cross in each ring. I estimated 20 folds minimum...hard to let go, but the wife is even more precious!
 

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