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.
Max B. –
Amazing Stage combat blade I bought this a couple years ago as my first stage combat sword, and it has held up beautifully. A problem most people have with swords like this that have a peened pommel is that the guard will start to come loose and wobble, but after two and a half years of heavy use, the guard is still nice and tight.
As for the sword itself, it was a little bit more tip heavy than i would like, but it’s something you get used to pretty quick. The grip is fairly comfortable, and after getting used to the feel of the blade, it feels very natural in the hand.
The included scabbard is pretty nice, as it isn’t wood, it’s some sort of tough plastic. This means that you don’t really have to worry as much about it gathering moisture and harming the blade. The scabbard itself has ended up taking a couple hits over this years, but there’s nothing more than some shallow scratching on it.
Overall, I bought this sword when it was $20 cheaper, but $130 USD plus shipping is still a great price for this.
Shawn M. –
Very good beginners sword! I just purchased this beauty off of Kult of Athena recently. I didn’t know what to expect when it arrived because all I’ve been used to was cheap wall-hangers and s.l.o’s *sword like objects*. I was expecting this to be good, but I was blown away!
The grip just feels right, it sits in your hand comfortably and doesn’t feel bulky. The satin metal finish on the guard and pommel looks very nice too contrasted with the red-brown leather handle wrap.
The sword has a little heft when you swing it, and I think the POB could be brought back just a little bit, but it’s truly fine, and gives me no problems when sparring.
The scabbard is top-notch at well. It’s not real wood mind you, but the resin material it’s made out of is equally beautiful and sturdy.
Overall I highly recommend this to anyone that’s looking for a cheap, but high quality sword.
Glock Osborne –
Functional Reliable Typical Hanwei ‘beater’; very ordinary to look at but it has a certain feel to it that kicks ass in technical training for 1.33 and also in free-play. I recommend this to my sword & buckler group. Balance is good, it moves well for beater and the slightly curved cross-guard it just the right size. Some swords have cross-guards that are just too long. My first choice for price, reliability and quality combined.
Sir C. –
A nice begginers sword Bought this sword a while ago for my Medieval Martial Arts school and it has held up extremely for a Hanwei. It has a decent balance if not a little blade heavy, but typical for an early medieval style sword. Fits well in most of my students hands. I’ve even use quite regularly in tournaments. Would of like the crossguard to be a little bit bigger and robust but you get use to it. A good sword for someone just starting out and at a price that won’t break you.
Wendyle of Ithebeo –
A good stage combat sword I got this sword as a Christmas present and have enjoyed it very much, I didn’t know it was a stage combat sword when I got it and ended up using is for destructive testing. It actually held up surprisingly well. The scabbard does not hold the sword very well but it is strong and is fairly weather resistant.
Enrique A. –
Way better than expected I ordered this with two other stage combat swords (all Hanwei). These are my first, to be used for drama and school projects, random videography, and just fun. They all looked way better in person. Feel great in the hand and have survived a few days of rough play. The plastic scabbard looks way better in real life. Feels like polished wood and built to last. The blade has perfect geometry. The fuller is even on both sides. Nothing wiggles or rattles. I went off several videos and forum posts to determine my choice in line. The nice woman here at KoA that helped me on the phone was patient, kind, and answered every question I had. The Black Friday sale was fantastic motivation to buy 3 stage combat swords and a few other decorations. I will buy from this website again. (This was my second purchase ever I believe).
Thomas –
It’s a very good sword that I’ve had and used for many years now. Very sturdy and easy to use. The only downside is the Point of Balance that is very far from the pommel. This could be an older issue, though, as I didn’t need to buy a sword recently
Bill Kelton –
As a relatively novice sword collector and user, I purchased this sword from a authentic New England medieval castle gift shop about 11 years ago . I had been to the castle a couple times before hand and had seen it in there fighting weapons gift shop . I wanted to purchase it for a couple years. I am very pleased with the weight and blade dimensions of the sword . it feels perfect in the hand, Easy to wield. It’s slightly tip heavy but easy to hold and handle. the pommel and guard are just the right size , and the blunt tip and wide fuller is nice for swordplay and reenactment. the build quality is excellent . I would highly recommend this particular model to anyone whether a beginner or seasoned intermediate sword user . it takes a lot of punishment and still keeps its blade integrity and construction . It is very sturdy, and I will definitely purchase more swords from them in the future . very good quality for the price thank you Hanwei. :)
Bill K –
As a relatively novice sword collector and user, I purchased this sword from a authentic New England medieval castle gift shop about 11 years ago . I had been to the castle a couple times before hand and had seen it in there fighting weapons gift shop . I wanted to purchase it for a couple years. I am very pleased with the weight and blade dimensions of the sword . it feels perfect in the hand, Easy to wield. It’s slightly tip heavy but easy to hold and handle. the pommel and guard are just the right size , and the blunt tip and wide fuller is nice for swordplay and reenactment. the build quality is excellent . I would highly recommend this particular model to anyone whether a beginner or seasoned intermediate sword user . it takes a lot of punishment and still keeps its blade integrity and construction . It is very sturdy, and I will definitely purchase more swords from them in the future . very good quality for the price thank you Hanwei. :)
Justus Everett –
I’ve had this one for 3 or 4 years and it’s still a beast. It was my first sword I bought specifically for HEMA and it’s my favorite.