Overview
Our sharpening service will provide a good serviceable edge on the blade. The result is typically “very sharp” with a small secondary bevel and a bit of an “apple seed” profile. The resulting edge is somewhat dependent on the particular blade. Some blades will take and hold sharper edges than others and the thickness of the blade will determine how wide the bevel will need to be. We adjust the angle of the edge to suit the specific blade and attempt to get as close to a bevel-less edge as possible without marring the surface of the blade.
The Sharpening Process
The sharpening service is done with a belt sander. The process involves many passes with sanding belts of various grits. The blades are rested between passes to prevent them from becoming hot and damaging their temper. By default we will sharpen as much of the blade as possible including any false edges if appropriate. If you have a different preference, feel free to make that request in the special instructions at check out. We can sharpen only the last half or third of an edge, for example. Our sword sharpening expert has personally sharpened several thousand swords at this point, so will provide you with a professional service.
What the Service is Not
The resulting edge will be “sword sharp” not razor sharp. Our goal is to provide you with a usable edge for cutting practice that will hold up to some use and not require constant re-sharpening. In other words, we intend to provide you with a serviceable weapon, not a personal grooming implement. The service will not provide a completely bevel-less edge. To create that type of edge will necessarily scratch up the blade surface and we lack the machinery and time to provide a full re-polishing of a blade’s surface. A service of that nature would be significantly more expensive as a great deal more time would be required. We do not offer this type of service at this time.
Disclaimer
We make no guarantee that the resulting edge will meet with your expectations. Every blade is different and some will take and hold a sharper edge than others, due to the blade material, heat treatment or geometry. Some customers can also have incorrect assumptions about sword sharpness and improper expectations as a result. All we can say for sure is that the resulting edge will be sharper than the default edge, in most cases, significantly so. We can not provide any refunds for the service once it has been completed, so consider it to be provided “as is”. That being said, if you are unhappy with the product for any reason, we do still allow you to return the item for a full refund, including the sharpening costs under our normal return policy. This does not apply to special sharpening requests, for example if we sharpen something specially for you that does not normally list that option on our site. The vast majority of our customers are happy with the results of the service, so as long as you keep the above mentioned in mind, we are confident you will be pleased with the results as well.
James Whitworth –
By god it’s heavy. Cold Steel is often known for swords that are to heavy. To be honest that hasn’t been my experiences. However, this is the exception. It handles like a club. Now, for the most part, a cutlass shouldn’t handle like a small sword but this is a bit too far in the other direction. Also, the tip was almost blunt when I got it due to the angle of the beveled edge. Also, some of the cutlers rivets stuck out from the wood slabs which rubs your hand a badly. A bit of filing fixed both there issues. But there a bit annoying.
On a positive note the seath is nice and well made.
Ricky –
It’s… heavy When i bought this a couple of years back from amazon (around the same price), i was a bit foolish and fell for cold steel’s “top of the line” facade. To be very honest, the balance is an issue. I’m not a weak man, but this handled too heavy even for a stout cutlass. It comes just moderately sharpened and although it is very very durable cutting wise, its handle is prone to chipping and rattling if not constantly adjusted. Likewise, the screw-on hilt is an issue. the rattling is excessive and the overall heft of the sword is just unpleasant. However, with a bit of work and determination, of under 200 dollars you buy yourself a decent sword. The scabbard is beautifully built and the finish on the sword is good, so the only issues are screw on hilt and the heft. If you are just starting out on a budget, go for it
Devilishfella –
Cold Steel Cutless Loved it, beautifully crafted. Solid, yes its heavy, but it does come in at 2.5 lbs. This is not for fencing. It’s not a foil. This weapon was meant for hacking ,slashing and thrusting in tight quarters. the hand guard alone is a weapon and could be used to change an opponent’s facial features. Every thing about this sword shouts solid and sturdy. You could cut down a small tree with this blade and the handle and guard won’t come loose. Try that with a Katana! The scabbard came with nice brass accents on a well made attractive scabbard. Point of balance at 5.5 inches off hilt. Never regretted the buy and love dealing with Cult of Athena, honest people. (Happy Customer)
Doublebad B. –
Perfect for price. Bought this sword from CS direct circa 2007ish. Have a mangled right leg and knew footwork would be difficult and good for me.
A big rugged hunk of Chinese steel, the piece can feel heavy and club like AT FIRST.
Mine has been abused horribly, slammed into hardwood, struck the odd wife fence and cement block clearing brush, the guard rattles and the handle is chipped.
After a decade, this sword doesn’t feel heavy. It feels alive. This has to be learned and was not intuitive for me.
The disdain we initially had for this little pig’s handling is inversely proportional to the high regard we now have for this blade.
Five stars for VALUE. If you already know and love the cutlass, this is a GREAT beater companion to your antique or custom sword.
David L Burklund –
Decent reproduction. I think what a lot of people are complaining about when it comes to weight (it does feel heavy) is not actually weight. We know specifications of historic cutlasses had similar weights. It may be a weight distribution thing, or those cutlasses also felt heavy. Also, this is not a 1917 Naval Cutlass, it’s a reproduction of a Dutch Kelewang. The Naval Cutlass had a solid plate basket, the Dutch Kelewang had the arms. They were otherwise almost identical weapons, though.
I sharpened the edge and use this for cutting practice. It actually cuts really well with a good, keen edge.