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How to Put an Edge on a Replica Sword

Swords were once considered the weapon of choice hundreds of years ago, though now these weapons have been replaced by firearms. Today, replica swords are a popular collecting and decorative item, typically placed on a stand or hung on the wall in a home. These swords generally don't come with a sharpened edge, as they are made for decoration and not strong enough for use. Though you may won't ever be able to use a replica sword as you would a real sword, some replica owners like to sharpen their blades. This should be done with care and precision.

Things You'll Need

Metal-sanding file
400-grit sandpaper
Tape
Cloth
Whetstone
Honing or polishing oil
Block of wood

Instructions

- 1
  Place a strip of cloth over the entire blade. Position the cloth so that the blade edge is visible. Apply tape to the cloth, affixing it to the blade, just behind the blade's edge. Ensure that only 1 to 2 millimeters of the blade edge is visible past the tape. The cloth will keep the replica's finish from being scratched or ruined while edging the blade.
- 2
  Place the sword on a level surface, and brace the blade with a block of wood. Replica swords have little to no tensile strength, and can bend or warp very easily.
- 3
  Place the file on the blade at a 30-degree angle. Push forward onto the blade edge using slow, even strokes. Continue to file the edge one section at a time until you've traveled down the entire blade length with the file, then repeat the process on the opposite side. Keep flipping the blade over and repeating the process until you form the edge.
- 4
  Apply a few drops of honing or polishing oil to a whetstone. Carefully and slowly drag the blade edge over the stone while holding it at a 30-degree angle. Use only light pressure when dragging the blade. Flip the blade over and repeat until both edges start to become polished.
- 5
  Wet a small square of fine, 400-grit sandpaper with water. Glide the sandpaper over the edge a few times to help blend the blade edge, and remove any burring. Flip the sword over and repeat.

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