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.
Braedon M. –
Hanwei practical hand and a half sword. This blade is well-suited for HEMA practice and full-plate sparring. The blade is very stiff and the edge notching over time is little to none. It’s light enough and has a short enough hiltto use for arming sword training if you don’t have a proper arming sword, if you finger the guard, but heavy enough to let your opponent know you hit them when they’re in full plate. The leather is of cheap quality and is starting to peel off, so that is the only reason I give this four stars. The package arrived on time and without flaw. Would recommend as a first steel training sword.
Ian –
A Great Sword for the price I have had this sword for a while now and it holds up well to HEMA practice and armored free sparring, sparks have flown and my sword is no worse for wear, only receiving the most minor of notching. The leather handle is certainly its biggest flaw but it is easily remedied. It is well enough balanced (considering the price point) and it is light enough for one handed use. Other than the leather getting a bit shoddy over time I really wish the pommel was a scent stopper as a 7 inch grip is a bit on the small side when you cant really utilize the pommel to extend it effectively.
Colby N. –
Versatile, nice construction, poor sound. This sword is very nice for use onstage, but not the best. It handles relatively well with one or two hands, so it can be used regardless of what other swords (or shields) are in the production. With the included sheath, it can be carried onstage naturally.
My main complaint is the fact that, instead of a crisp metallic sound, this sword delivers a duller “thunk” when struck.
Despite the sound problem, if I could have only one sword, this would be it. it is unassuming enough to be used in a large variety of time periods and fighting styles, and the included sheath makes it easy to carry while acting. In the light to moderate impacts I’ve subjected it to, it has yet to show any real notching. I have not had any problems with the handle leather, as mentioned by the other reviewers.
Steven Wynn –
its ok i collect swords for sparing and abusive testing. This sword is meant for sparing. it is blunt and VERY durable. But it is not balanced or weighted well. The balance ig far too blade heavy and wears you out quickly. the blade is about 30% or more too thick.
I used to have an older version of this that was perfect. dont know why they changed it. The pommel was larger which gave it a heavenly balance and feel. this pommel does next to nothing to counter the blade weight.
If you want something you can swing at a target till your arms hurt, this is perfect. If you want an authentic feel, this is not it, go for the Tinker line
Cy –
Great sword I bought this model from a ren fair, so I don’t know much about July of Athena practices, but this is an excellent sword. Very durable, minimal marking, and nothing shifts when hitting. One con however is the handle feels like heavy rubber instead of leather wrapped wood… And the 7 inch grip is a little short for the two handed Landsknechts style I have been practicing
Nicholas –
OK, no cons For this prize this hand and a hlaf sword is pretty good, weight, balance, used steel is quite good. I will recomend it for beginners lookinf for some godd and also cheap sword.
R. L. –
Strong Blade, Sub-Par Hilt I have been using this blade against like weapons and have found a flaw in the weapon. The hilt area is the weak point of this blade. The blade is full-tang and peened well but the wood core, that is wrapped and glued with leather, will come loose and begin to shift in the hand after some successful parries of a strong attack or a heavy block. While holding the weapon by the leather grip, I can perform light movements and actively hear a pinging sound from the wood core smacking the tang. However, the pommel has stayed true and tight with the cross-guard also staying tight and stiff even with a majority of my parries or blocks landing on the guard heavily.
Of the quality of steel, I have only had one issue of damage that is concerning where I had let a student of mine use it to practice a block and my other student attacked without my instruction and ended up denting/chipping an edge of the blade in the forte.
I may take the wood core off and replace it with a tighter and stronger material later on.
Overall, were this blade to break on me today, I would likely buy another one in replacement.
Alex –
Now THIS is a bastard sword I play a lot of dnd for a reenactor, and my absolute favorite sword was the bastard sword, or the hand and a half sword. Well, since I started reenacting I’ve searched far and wide for an inexpensive version of my favorite weapon and I found it here. Hence forth, her name will be, “Bastard sword of flame, plus two.”
Enrique A. –
Well thought out and balanced I purchased this last minute as I called to revise my order. The customer service here was fantastic and pointed me into the direction of this blade. It showed up fast. It feels great in the hand. It is solid, nothing wiggles or rattles. The scabbard looks way better in real life than in the pictures. If you’re into re-enactment or drama/stage combat these blades work great.
brkwegner –
Great sword for the price!
Invested in this when I got deeper into stage combat, has gotten me through several workshops and is still holding up well!
Took a HARD hit from an overzealous student, suffered a small ding and a cross guard that jiggled until repaired shortly after.
Still holding up well a year later!
Would definitely invest as an affordable full contact practice blade or a frugal lovers regular Stage Combat weapon.
Roger Hooper –
This is your best choice if you are looking for a low price sparring or stage combat sword. Most models at this price are over heavy and badly balanced. The SH2106 isn’t as good as an Albion Maestro, but is the best and most reliable at this cost level.
Roger Hooper –
There are better blunts that cost more money, but if you need something inexpensive with adequate performance and durability, this is your best choice.
Joachim Grann –
i bought mine second hand, tha sword was rusty and many people would have turned it down, but i saw great potential in this blade and i dont turn away from a challenge, now it is my go to weapon for every battle.
AnarchistVik (verified owner) –
In honor of Hanwei closing their doors i got this sword. So far its held up great im fights, its light, sturdy, well made and bends in a good way. This sword for both its price and style is exactly perfect for either one handed or two handed use. Its a amazing sword with a lovely look, feel and has quality. Great for hema, ren fair or a starting blade for any up coming fighter. Its a trusty blade, you cant go wrong getting one of these.