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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2023 13:51:50 GMT
I have a new sword and a dagger; both have the normal unsharpened edge and I'm looking for the best way to put an edge on them.
I am not sure I want to simply go at it with a new file because I want the sharpened edge to be even enough it's not noticeable-- Anybody have a suggestion on a commercial sharpener that would be capable of doing this, something a little heavier than all those made to simply sharpen kitchen knives?
I have a small belt sander but once again, I want them straight. How do you all sharpen one from scratch?
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Jul 24, 2023 14:27:52 GMT
To begin with I suggest that you not learn on the sword nor the dagger. I can think of several ways but none are something that I can give and you then you turn around and achieve what you are looking for. There are no short cuts but a skill that one needs to learn and I suggest that you do so as it will improve your enjoyment of this hobby. The nearest thing that I can think of for a person in your position is an Accusharp, and in my opinion will do a crappy job. You have a serviceable tool, a file. Although not my first choice. But you need to learn to use it. A KO Work Sharp has a guide that your sword blade may fit, but then you need to learn how to use it. The best suggestion I can offer is to watch the various techniques given on YouTube and then decide which is best for you. There are no short cuts.
In regards to your last question, I have no single way, but whatever is appropriate at the time. I may start with an Accusharp as a quick start to knock off the edges. Then it’s to my Work Sharp if applicable. Sometimes I use the WS free hand. Sandpaper is an all-time favourite of mine.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2023 15:20:50 GMT
Neither of the two have excessive edge surface and I could really take my time and use a file, I just do not want to scratch the blade due to a misstep--Both have great blades, near perfect. I'll take your advice and watch some videos, that was my next step -- Thanks for your input --
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Jul 24, 2023 15:31:54 GMT
Applying tape to protect the surfaces is one solution. Personally, I’d use sandpaper and a mouse pad, it’s not much of an investment. Oopps, and some light weight oil.
If you hadn’t thought of it, draw file the blade. In my opinion would be the best approach using a file.
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takitam
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Post by takitam on Jul 24, 2023 16:14:50 GMT
What pgandy said. You cannot expect to just find a sharpening method and do a perfect job. Sharpening is a skill that takes a lot of time and plenty of mistakes to develop. Knowing how to approach a specific blade or edge type and which method to use is part of the skill. Learn from youtube and then practice, practice, practice. If your edge is almost sharp, sandpaper method might be enough. If it's thick behind the edge you can use a proper file and then polish with sandpaper. There is another thread, afair called 'sharpening fail' where I and other forumites shared more specific tips. In general, as long as you don't use power tools without experience, most of your mistakes should be fixable. Prepare to spend a lot of time on this little project
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2023 16:58:21 GMT
I am an old guy and long retired, I have plenty of time. I wouldn't be in a hurry to finish something like this anyway. I'll watch some videos and get an idea how to hold the blade and how to keep the sharpened part even. I spent $600 on this sword so will not take the chance of my inexperience screwing up the blade- -.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Jul 24, 2023 17:36:13 GMT
I could not find the video I was looking for involving a man sharpening to shaving sharp with a file. He was an old master at it, and I wanted to point out his technique and that it could be done. I did come across this one in the process by Easton. Do not take it as the gospel or something to follow to the T. But in general, he does point out some things that may help you. I could point out some things he could do better, such as to use that tree behind him to support the sharp end of his machete rather than his chest. Not only is it safer but would give better working conditions. Living in Central America I am not unacquainted with machetes.
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demonskull
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Post by demonskull on Jul 25, 2023 0:45:34 GMT
Listen to Pgandy, he's right on all points. If you want a little added protection while using a file, instead of tape, sandwich your blade between two pieces of wood the same appx. length as the sword in a vise. Use the draw file exactly as was stated above, one pass on 1 side and then 1 pass on the other. The wood will not only protect the blade from scratches it will also help you maintain your angle. It's a learning process so take it slow, and it you have an old piece of hardened steel, use it to practice on. A old machete from a garage sale will work too.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Jul 25, 2023 2:20:53 GMT
If you go the vise/wood route the wood will also protect your blade from the vise marks as will some other materials. Padding is of the upmost importance on sensitive objects. I used lead on mine, when I had one. Also, there is no reason not to use padding for the vise area while using tape along the blade.
Something that Easton missed in the above video when he was talking about machete quality. Some machetes are made with higher a HRC than others, especially for the American market as Americans have a thing about high HRC regardless. Other machetes are made softer, especially for 3rd world countries where they are truly used as tools, so that they can easily be maintained in the field. So don’t be fooled if you mess with one of those thinking this is not so hard. Sharpening by hand is time consuming. Also, machetes will flex making filling difficult. One approach the Latinos use is to clamp the machete on a flat surface prior to sharpening. Of course, in the field it’s a different story, much like Easton was presenting.
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eastman
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Post by eastman on Jul 25, 2023 2:56:01 GMT
If you go the vise/wood route the wood will also protect your blade from the vise marks as will some other materials. Padding is of the upmost importance on sensitive objects. I used lead on mine, when I had one. Also, there is no reason not to use padding for the vise area while using tape along the blade. Something that Easton missed in the above video when he was talking about machete quality. Some machetes are made with higher a HRC than others, especially for the American market as Americans have a thing about high HRC regardless. Other machetes are made softer, especially for 3rd world countries where they are truly used as tools, so that they can easily be maintained in the field. So don’t be fooled if you mess with one of those thinking this is not so hard. Sharpening by hand is time consuming. Also, machetes will flex making filling difficult. One approach the Latinos use is to clamp the machete on a flat surface prior to sharpening. Of course, in the field it’s a different story, much like Easton was presenting.
just to be clear here - I'm Eastman
the video is by Matt Easton
he has more swords, I have more hair
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Jul 25, 2023 12:54:26 GMT
I constantly make the mistake of calling Easton Eastman. When making the first post I started to check to be sure I didn't do it again, but was in a hurry. And since I made the initial mistake, I continued. Thanks for pointing that out. I think that I’ve corrected all accounts.
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