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.
stephenc (verified owner) –
I’m impressed with the quality of this sword for the price. The balance is tipped towards cutting for this cut and thrust sword, which is what I want, and makes sense for this type of blade.
The blade is well made and feels very durable. I paid for the sharpening service, so I can’t comment on the factory edge, but the edge is perfect now. The scabbard is nicely done and fits good. No rattle, great retention, weather proof. Only thing I’d change on it is to make the slots larger to fit a standard 1.25″ to 1.5″ inch belt. I’m not sure how I’m going to strap it to my waist yet.
The handle seems very durable too. I’m going to file around the guard for a more comfortable finger over the guard grip. The metal edges are a bit sharp there. I’ll probably shape the grip panels, which I find to be a bit too squarish, and sand them to fit my had a bit also. I have size L hands and the grip is very filling. People with smaller hands might consider thinning the grip panels some.
As always, Cult of Athena’s prices and service are the best. I’d definitely recommend this sword and I’m thinking of getting another.
Lee Thompson (verified owner) –
This sword is pretty sweet. Somewhat of a hybrid blade; the geometry is similar to beefier Medieval C&T swords, but it has a grace, quickness, and length closer to a Spatha or Jian. This sword is excellent at cutting, but still short enough to allow for lethal thrusts in close quarters. It is comfortable as a single hand sword, but the grip is long enough to use two hands when extra power is wanted or required. Unlike so many European C&T swords, this sword is designed for a warrior on foot.
It would be ideal with a buckler or off-hand blade. Quality materials and quality construction. Excellent fit and construction on the scabbard for a mass produced poly scabbard. The value is not tremendous, but for a mass produced sword this one is quality, deadly, and pretty damn cool. I’d highly recommend to anyone looking for a practical double edged cut and thrust sword.