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.
sykhangaroo (verified owner) –
This is my very first sword, and I am impressed. The quality for cost you’re getting is well worth it if you’re looking for a usable sword on a tight budget.
Pros:
I received the sword in January 2024 and have been using it for 8 months as of this review, primarily cutting softer targets light water bottles, milk jugs, and fruit. I used KoA’s sharpening service and the edge is still good. If you hone the edge yourself, I’m certain it’d be even better. The crossguard and pommel haven’t loosened at all (despite me accidentally hitting my wooden cutting stand a few times). The blade feels nimble but doesn’t lack authority when cutting. Also I personally love the simple elegant shape of the sword and the gently upswept quillons.
Neutral:
The sword itself is pretty short and has a smaller hilt. I am a short person so it feels great to me, but someone with larger hands may find the grip a bit of a squeeze. The specifications say the pommel is nut constructed, but mine looks like it’s peened? The sword also comes with a free scabbard, which is a plus, but the scabbard is merely serviceable as a storage device. The sword rattles inside it, and the inside will leave wood dust on the blade unless you clean it.
Cons:
The blade isn’t perfect, which you would expect at this price range. In-use and from a couple feet away you wouldn’t notice it, but up-close you can see some rippling along the blade. It’s not enough to affect its performance though.
Stats:
8cm / 3 ⅛” POB from guard
1.2kg / 2.6lbs weight
19cm / 7 ½” guard length
17cm / 6 ⅝” grip length
22.5cm / 8 ⅞” functional grip length (top of grip to bottom of pommel)
83.5cm / 32 ⅝” blade length
107cm / 42” total length
Paul Davis (verified owner) –
This is a very lively sword. It is very weildable in one hand. The blade is fairly stiff as you would expect for a type XV. The workmanship on the sword and scabbard seems very respectable to me, keeping the price in mind. It’s not perfect, but it certainly seems more than worth the price.
Jay Davis –
This sword is nimble and cuts well. If you want a functional sword, you will like it. If you are super picky about visible hammer marks on the blade, perfect symmetry of the blade, and flawless fit and finish, then you will be disappointed, but why is someone like that buying a sub 200 hundred dollar sword???