How to Remove Scratches From a Sword Blade

Over time, every blade gets scratches. Even a sword kept on the mantel experiences occasional scratches when it is unsheathed for cleaning or display. Sharpening stones also leave unwanted scratches behind. Removing scratches from a sword made with hard, high-quality steel is more difficult than on a light alloy or soft steel blade. However, removing these scratches is not impossible. Regardless of your sword's metallic composition, the technique is the same, and with enough persistence you can remove scratches on the blade.

Things You'll Need

  • 180-grit aluminum oxide sandpaper
  • 400-grit aluminum oxide sandpaper
  • 2,000-grit aluminum oxide sandpaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sand the sword with 180-grit aluminum oxide sandpaper if there are any deep scratches. Gouges caused by a sharpening stone are best treated with rough 180-grit sandpaper before switching to a finer grit. Sand the entire length of the sword, even if only certain parts have scratches; this ensures a smooth, evenly sanded blade. Repeat as needed until the deep scratches are gone.

    • 2

      Sand the blade with 400-grit aluminum oxide sandpaper. This sandpaper gets out smaller scratches and the visible sandpaper lines left by the rougher 180-grit sandpaper. Sand the entire blade as many times as necessary until visible scratches are gone. Sanding down light scratches is time-consuming, so don't be discouraged if you don't see results within the first few minutes.

    • 3

      Sand the sword blade with 2,000-grit aluminum oxide sandpaper. This ultra-fine sandpaper does not actually remove scratches; rather it smooths out the very tiny marks left by sandpaper for a more polished look. These sandpaper marks are barely visible, but they feel coarse if you run your finger over the side of the blade. Ultra-fine sandpaper removes this coarseness for a slicker feel.