Masahiro Sword Sharpening Instructions

The Masahiro sword sharpening kit is an homage to the way of the Samurai. The kit includes two whetstones, a wooden ladle and bucket, two bottles of oil and a nice wooden box. It does not include instructions and none of the components should ever be used on a sword that was ever owned by an actual Samurai. Those valuable, antique weapons are wonders of metallurgy and craftsmanship and they should only be polished and never sharpened. You can use components of this kit to sharpen modern, mass produced reproductions of Samurai swords.

Things You'll Need

  • Masahiro sword sharpening kit
  • Large table
  • 4 x 6 x 1 inch wooden block
  • Clean, cotton cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the wooden block on a large table. Set the sword on the table with the end of the sword on the wooden block.

    • 2

      Shape the edge of the blade with the dark, 400 grit, side of the two color whetstone included with the kit. Hold the stone at a 30 degree angle to the blade and begin to shape the edge by rubbing the stone back and forth across the blade edge.

    • 3

      Shape both sides of the complete length of the blade with the dark side of the stone. Stop when you have removed any nicks or other imperfections in the edge. Wipe the blade with a clean, cotton cloth.

    • 4

      Turn the stone over and drip a small amount of the thicker, heavier oil from the kit on the light, 1000 grit, side of the same stone. The oil holds particles of metal and whetstone in suspension while you work.

    • 5

      Refine the edge by holding the stone at a 30 degree angle and sharpen the complete length of both sides of the sword using horizontal strokes perpendicular to the sword.

    • 6

      Wipe the oil from the stone and the blade using a clean, cotton cloth when you are finished. Remove the wooden block.

    • 7

      Set the second, 3000 grit stone on the table. Drip a small amount of the thinner, lighter oil from the kit on the stone.

    • 8

      Hold the sword by the handle and the dull, safe edge of the blade. Hold the blade at a 30 degree angle to the stone.

    • 9

      Sharpen one side of the sword edge on the 3000 grit stone by using a back and forth motion. Inspect the blade frequently and stop when a very thin "wire" of steel appears on the edge of the blade you are not sharpening.

    • 10

      Sharpen the opposite side of the blade on the 3000 grit stone by using a back and forth motion just long enough to remove this very thin buildup of metal.

    • 11

      Wipe the stone and the blade clean with a cotton cloth.