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.
Eric –
Raptor shinogi Love this sword! Tested it on a dinning room chair cut through the back on two swings,wife hates this sword,Kurt of Athena best customer service in the business
Terry –
Hanwei Raptor Shinogi Zukuri Katana – SH2414 Bought this katana after reading reviews and watching vids on youtube, first one was disappointed in as it had a curve to the blade to one side which I contacted Kult of Athena and they replaced it with one that was perfectly straight no issues with the Raptor at all excellent customer service answered every email quickly. Thanks for all your help this is the best company I have ever delt with Sam is the best. Now waiting for next sword to get in stock the Hanwei Kouga Ninja-To- SH2430 (yes I know it was never historically proven Ninja sword but hey it is really cool).
Thanks Sam
Angelus S. –
Henwei raptor shonogi zukuri This katana is badass I would definitely buy from kult of Athena again best, customer service
C. S. –
Hanwei Raptor Shinogi Zakuri This Katana is simply badass in every sense of the word. 5160 steel is tough as nails, and with it’s iron fittings and eagle theme it is simple yet awesome. The finish was good, and the blade arrived straight and razor sharp. Kult of Athena is a great place to buy from and I will be doing business with them again when I get myself a Hanwei Bushido Katana for my collection.
Roscoe –
This Raptor is a beast. Weight is 2 lb 13.2 oz without the saya. Fit and finish is excellent. Came very sharp. The samegawa has decent sized nodes. I have cut: 2 inch green bamboo, plam tree branches, 3 inch rolled wet newspaper, full tatami mats packed with scraps, harder plastic water bottles. I fully disassembled it, no issues.