Question about new katana purchased "g-509 hiro sword"

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Deleted
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Question about new katana purchased "g-509 hiro sword" Dec 17, 2010 2:41:02 GMT

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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2010 2:41:02 GMT

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forum (obviously) and have recently gotten into swords in the last few months.
I have done a bit of research and decided to take a leap into getting my first sword. I didn't want to pay to much for a beginner and i knew not to get something stainless steel with a rat tail tang.

After looking around, i found this nice enough looking folded carbon steel tempered G-509 Katana from global gear. Since I'm in Australia and they are as well, it seemed like one of few locally based companies to buy from.

I just received it, and I'm happy with the build. It feels really nice and has quality materials (ray skin and leather).
The blade is forged to a nice V angle, but i noticed the edge of the blade is lightly blunt, so it must be intended for practice swinging etc.
What i really want to know; is there a way of getting this sharpened for more practical cutting use? (only want to do bottles, tatami, cardboard and maybe some meat) The listing wasn't clear on what its purpose was for (display, blunt practice or cutting) So i messaged the owner and they replied saying "it should be fine for cutting watermelons".

The link is below:
cgi.ebay.com.au/G-509-FOLDED-STEEL-HIRO-SWORD-/310245431617?pt=AU_KnivesSwords&hash=item483c119941

I appreciate any help.

Sorry for the long 1st post :oops:

Deleted
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Question about new katana purchased "g-509 hiro sword" Dec 17, 2010 3:38:03 GMT

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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2010 3:38:03 GMT

Hi apar83. Welcome to the Forum, and welcome to the world of swords. There's a section in the beginner's forum entitled "Helpful Articles". You'll find a posting in there on sharpening swords (for beginners). It's not all that difficult if you take a little care. Here's a direct link to that post:
www.sword-buyers-guide.com/sharpen-swords.html
Again, nice to have you on the Forum.

bloodwraith
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Posts: 7,278

Question about new katana purchased "g-509 hiro sword" Dec 17, 2010 3:53:13 GMT

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Post by bloodwraith on Dec 17, 2010 3:53:13 GMT

Your sword may be sharper than you think, it can often be hard to tell. Have you tried cutting anything with it? I've had a global gear sakura and it was fine. It is annoying when a business sells a product that they have no experience or understanding of because often they are not enthusiasts themselves.

Baby steel has nightmares of growing up to be made into a cheness blade

You are entitled to your opinion with the provision that it isn't inaccurate or plain dumb

"Technical knowledge alone is not enough. A martial artist must simultaneously transcend technique and develop intuitive action so that the art becomes an artless art, a way to physical excellence, a way to spiritual enlightenment" - Joe Hyams: Zen in the Martial arts

Deleted
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Question about new katana purchased "g-509 hiro sword" Dec 17, 2010 4:25:48 GMT

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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2010 4:25:48 GMT

Thanks Dodger!
I'm probably going to go for the Accusharp that's recommended in that post. Looks like a quality product and i don't want to stuff up my blade with newbie sharpening skills.

Re: bloodwraith, Nah it doesn't seem sharp at all. it has a very very small flattish looking edge, i touched it lightly with my thumb and it felt blunt. It's a quality looking/feeling sword for the low price (won it for bidding in a separate auction, much lower than retail in the link) Heavier than i expected, although my only past experience is with wall hanger cheap katanas from the markets.

Cheers.

Deleted
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Question about new katana purchased "g-509 hiro sword" Dec 17, 2010 5:00:24 GMT

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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2010 5:00:24 GMT

To be quite honest apar83, the whole sharpening with a fine file and then a stone route is really far superior. You'll be much happier with the result. I'm not sure you'll find many Accusharp fans on this Forum. Unfortunately, because of the nature of the device, they're really prone to skipping - just like a "washboard" dirt road. Once you've got that going on in your blade, it's really hard to get out.

6stringseme
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Posts: 383

Question about new katana purchased "g-509 hiro sword" Dec 17, 2010 5:08:33 GMT

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Post by 6stringseme on Dec 17, 2010 5:08:33 GMT

Do not use an accusharp on a katana, you'll ruin the blade geometry. Katanas are not like european swords; they don't have a secondary bevel. Don't use a grinding wheel or any sort of power tool, either. You're going to have to use manual abrasives like whetstones or sandpaper, progressing from coarser to finer grain. You paid a lot for that katana and it'd be a shame to ruin it.

Maynar
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Question about new katana purchased "g-509 hiro sword" Dec 17, 2010 5:13:35 GMT

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Post by Maynar on Dec 17, 2010 5:13:35 GMT

What 6stringseme said. Accusharps are evil when applied to a blade like a katana. If you don't feel confident to sharpen it manually yourself, ask the folks at Global Gear if they can point you in the direction of someone local who may be able to do the job for you.

It should be the least they can do.

I am Brother Maynar, keeper of the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch. And the number of the counting, shall be three.

It is by will alone I set my mind in motion. It is by the beans of java that thoughts acquire speed, the hands acquire shakes, the shakes become a warning. It is by will alone I set my mind in motion.

LittleJP
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Question about new katana purchased "g-509 hiro sword" Dec 17, 2010 5:21:28 GMT

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Post by LittleJP on Dec 17, 2010 5:21:28 GMT

The whole sandpaper route is a LOT easier to use than an Accusharp, properly that is.
Just take an hour or so out of your day to do a proper job, which is worth it.
The Accusharp will look ugly, and will most likely be wavey, and have uneven sharpness all over the blade, unless you're able to provide even pressure over the entire blade; much harder than it sounds.

Taking it slow with a stone is easier than repairing Accusharp damage. I've done it myself >.> never again.

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Deleted
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Question about new katana purchased "g-509 hiro sword" Dec 17, 2010 5:23:01 GMT

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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2010 5:23:01 GMT

Wow thanks for the heads up guys!
I just also noticed another topic about the accusharp in the beginners forum, someone did some nasty damage to their sword with one... :shock:
After reading the sharpening guide, it actually sounded like a useful tool, guess it's only for knives then.

Looks like I'm gonna have to learn the old fashion way, luckily i still have some old cheap S/steel display sword from a few years ago.

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