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.
Yuan Gong –
too wobbly Too thin. If you hit it, it wobbles and flexes. No scabbard. Custom one cost another 1k. I have 1″ scar on my right hand because of how bouncy this thing is when chopping thick vines.
Mike F. –
Beautiful Craftsmanship! The Albion Arn Templar sword is the centerpiece of my collection. The craftsmanship is exactly what you would expect from Albion. Attention to detail, well balanced for a 3 lb. plus blade and precise finishing make the Arn well worth the purchase price. I finished it off with a Christian Fletcher scabbard. One note however, the grip is only 3 7/8″ so if you have a large hand (which I do not), you may have some trouble fitting your hand between the pommel and cross guard. As mine is for display only, it’s not an issue.
Joe M. –
A historically accurate film sword I have actually purchased the Albion Arn Sword twice. I admired my first one for several years before I sold it to redirect some funds to other things. I missed it enough that I could not resist buying it again when I found it in stock here at Kult of Athena. The Arn Sword possesses the proportions of a classic twelfth century crusader sword and is evocative of the Saint Maurice Sword in Vienna with its hilt inscriptions. Its length gives it the blade presence typical of cutting swords of this type, but it is not heavy in the hand. It performs well in the light cutting tests I have done. As with all Albions, the fit and finish are second to none. It has a nice lenticular blade section and the fullers are symmetric, crisp, and unwavering. The grip is short by modern standards, but absolutely appropriate for a cruciform sword of this period. The Albion Arn could just as easily be a historic reproduction as a replica film sword. I doubt I will part with it a second time.
William S. –
Love This Sword Impressions: This is my favorite Albion early medieval sword even though it is a movie sword. The handling is excellent and I would venture about one the best for this type of sword. It has some blade presence but that is normal for a cutting sword of this type. The Gaddhjalt almost mirrors the Arn in handling which is a big plus for me as the Gaddhjalt is one of my favorite swords from Albion. I highly recommend this sword for someone looking for an early medieval sword. Fittings may deter some purists but the sword is excellent.
Cons: None for the sword. Brass fitting might not be historical. Price may be an issue for some buyers.
alientude –
Easily one of Albion’s most attractive swords, and you get a lot of sword + decoration for the price. While not purely historical – being designed to look good on a movie screen – it is very solidly based on historical swords, mostly notably Oakeshott type Xa and XI, to my eye.
This sword has an undeserved reputation for being blade heavy. It’s not. It definitely has blade presence and heft to it, but that’s as it should be for this type of sword, and it moves around very well. It’s not a nimble dueling sword, but it’s not tip heavy or poorly balanced.
The bronze hilt furniture is absolutely gorgeous, and the details outstanding.
For a full review, check out my YouTube video: https://youtu.be/mcbtuAzcM7k