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.
Josh G. –
manufacturer defect When I ordered this sword I was very excited. It looked amazing based on the images. However, upon unboxing it, I realized that the handle of the sword was off center. After noticing this, I disassembled it and found that the tang was off-center. It looks ok, it’s just very noticeable when in the scabbard.If not for the manufacturing defect I would recommend this sword in a heart beat.
Mike M. –
Excellent Quality and Value I was apprehensive after reading several reviews online, with comments about blade whip and whatnot. However, the sword weighs very near actual historical artifacts, and I was not disappointed with my purchase. The blade is certainly not “whippy”, and I’m impressed with every Hanwei sword I’ve purchased. If you are a fan of great swords of war, I can highly recommend this beauty (my only complaint is the pommel is secured with a recessed allen screw, and not peened).
Devon P. –
Excellent for cutting practice This budget sword lineup is the best produced. Intended for cutting practice, and well designed for it. Not made with historically accurate materials, but recreates the weight and balance of originals. Buy one at the earliest possible opportunity.
Nathaniel K. –
Beauty and a beast After a fair amount of research, I decided on the Great Sword of War. I knew it had a threaded tang, I knew it was not going to be ornate, and I knew it would be large. All these things are true. What you get is a two handed, straight, relatively sharp, usable sword for under $300. KOA packaged it really nicely and offered the lowest price I could find. I will emphasize this is a two handed sword. One hand use is possible, but not with strength or control. That said, I am not a reenactor or someone who really uses swords. I wanted a “real sword” to hang on the wall, fondle, and occasionally swing at things I want to cut. I highly recommend this sword as a step up in size, power, and coolness from the more common hand and a half swords.
Azaziel –
This big monster is an excellent cutter and great quality for the price point. This is my favorite sword out of everything I own.
The only thing I really don’t like about it is the composite scabbard that comes with it and all the Hanwei Tinkers. I ended up making one myself as I got tired of listening to the scabbard core and the metal at the top scraping on the blade every time I took it out.
The sword sags SLIGHTLY under its weight but it isn’t whippy and that’s just the nature of the beast for a sword of this profile/size. This thing cuts amazingly well and is surprisingly easy to handle for its size. It came decently sharp with the factory edge but there was definitely room for improvement. I always sharpen any knife or sword I get so this wasn’t an issue for me.
I highly recommend this sword to anyone looking for something of this size/design that’s priced reasonably enough to be able to have fun with it.
Corey –
I bought this sword 2-3 years ago. I had my doubts because I read mixed reviews. I haven’t even properly maintained it and it’s still awesome. I could of just happened to get a good one but it’s probably my favorite. I don’t practice cutting so can’t speak to that but it’s sturdy as a rock. Now the scabbard like everyone says is metal and makes that sound when you pull it out. A little piece of felt or something would fix that. For the price point it’d be hard not to recommend. Once again haven’t cut with it so who knows, but feels solid.
Sab (verified owner) –
Got this sword for my partner for Christmas and it’s so good !!!! Literally even better than I imagined, and it shipped super fast and easy. I don’t know a ton about swords, but this thing feels legit and is beautiful in person. Plus whoever shipped it was nice enough to indulge my kinda specific packaging requests. Thanks guys, super appreciate it!!
Christopher (verified owner) –
Feels like you could cleave a foe in two with this mighty blade! Came razor sharp. Definitely more of a two-hander, at least I wouldn’t want to count on it one-handed myself but if you’re big and strong you could still deliver some powerful blows. I wanted a cutter with some heft behind it to go with my light and thrusty Italian longsword and was not disappointed. The only thing I don’t like about it is that the squared off grip is not too comfortable in the hand after a while. Overall it seems well-made and I expect it to last. Fit for a sword & sorcery barbarian chieftain.