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How to Sharpen a Katana Sword

The Katana is a Japanese saber sword that is two to four feet in length with a slight curve to the metal. It was carried by the Samurai to protect the elite class. Some Katana swords are forged by licensed makers to be ceremonial, admired for their beauty and artistry. Because of the value of these collector Katana swords, they only should be sharpened by those who are certified sword sharpeners. Other Katana swords are mass-produced for battle use; therefore, the care used in sharpening them is not as great. Straightening and sharpening kits are available for purchase. Many of these kits use sharpening stones and include a wooden jig to hold the Katana sword in place while sharpening. Any sword you sharpen will bear the marks of your understanding, skill and patience.

Things You'll Need

Several clean cloths
Glass cleaner
Block of wood
Water
Wet/Dry Sandpaper: grits 80, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1500, 4000, 6000
Sanding block to hold the sandpaper
Fine metal file (if blade is in bad condition)

Instructions

Sharpening a Katana Sword
- 1
  Spray glass cleaner onto a cleaning cloth and wipe down the blade, removing all oils and grime.
- 2
  Lay the blade of the sword onto a block of wood so that blade is level and supported. This way, the blade will not be stressed as you work on it.
- 3
  Identify the tempering line. At mid-blade lengthwise, there is a point where the blade begins a slope to the edge. This is the tempering line, from which you will begin to sharpen the blade.
- 4
  Wet the blade. Water will lubricate both the sandpaper and the sword blade, making the sandpaper grit last longer, and it will help you produce a smooth-as-glass appearance. It also will keep the dust down.
- 5
  Sand the blade from the tempering line to the edge in a downward motion (from the hilt to the tip of the blade) at a 30 percent angle using the 200 grit sandpaper on the sanding block. A consistent angle will maintain the sword's tempering line.
- 6
  Wet the blade, turn it over and repeat the process.
- 7
  Wipe the Katana sword blade down with the cloth to remove all grit and dust.
- 8
  Polish the edge of the blade repeating steps 4, 5, 6 and 7, using the 400 grit and progressing to the higher grits until you achieve the shiny finish and sharpness of the blade you desire.

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