Hello everyone!!

Well I received my Baron the other day and I just gotta say WOW!! It's mine, mine, mine, all mine!!! :p
I LOVE this sword! I must admit that this is my first real european sword but heck, you know quality when you see it.
(Or swing it around like a fool, as in my case). I also know now how much I don't know about proper swordsmanship. I always thought it was pretty straightforward, swing at something, and it splits in two. I'm finding that it's not quite that simple. There's always a new horizon to quest for in this love affair with swords. And that's just fine with me as I'm here to stay.

Here's a question for all of you... As I've been showing friends and family my new swords they inevitably (even after cautioning) run their fingers over the blade's edge to test sharpness. Is this dulling the blade every time? I know I need to oil it right away but is this truly affecting the sharpness?

Thanks in advance, and WOO HOO!! I want 'em ALL! MORE, MORE, MORE!!!

Scott

Congratulations on the Baron! :) I wish my financial situation allowed for buying one...

You can rest assured people running their fingers on the edge won't dull the edge.


Rabbe

Hi Scott,

I am very pleased you are happy with your sword. May it serve you happily for many years.

Actually, touching a fine honed edge on a carbon steel blade will dull it. Not much, but still. It will lose the very finest aspect of its sharpness. If this bothers you, it is good to avoid this or take precautions. Depending on the composition of the hand sweat of those touching it the dulling effect can happen slowly or quickly. Some people seem to have something like acid in their fingerprints...

A cabinet maker knows very well never to touch a newly honed chisel. You test the final sharpness of wood working tools with your nails (or by cutting hair or similar), never by touch.
It is both because of safety, but also since it negates the fine edge you´ve just worked to put on your tool.

On a sword this sharpness is less acute and much less sensetive, but you will notice the dulling effect after some time.
When I bring swords along for demonstrations I always have to touch up on the edges afterwards since almost every one have problems stopping themselves from touching the edge. I´ve stopped telling people not to. It seems to bring them such satisfaction and I can always resharpen the blade: It only takes one or two strokes with a stone or a leather strop. After a demo with some 50 persons attending and handling the swords with sweaty hands, they will be marked by the experience (the swords, I mean)

By the way, ever seen a Japanese swordsman finger the edge of his sword to test its sharpness?
Everyone seem to know that fingering a katana might ruin the polish.
The shaprness of sword is as sensetive (If it is finely honed) even if the blade is not as polished as an art grade katana.

After you´ve had your sword shown around and/or after a cutting session, wipe the blade down with an oil dampened peice of cloth.
It is good to have one at hand when you show the sword to people.
Seeing you using a clean peice of fine cloth to wipe of fingerprints can often inspire a more attentive attitude in people when they are handling your fine sword.

Do not let this become a major concernt to you. Your sword will take a lot of handling and cutting. It is only good to know that fingering the edge will actually cause it to loose some of its bite if it is done too frequently.

If you want to keep your sword in the best biting sharpness, you should avoid touching the edge.
If this is not possible (and Iknow from own experience it is very difficult not to), then be prepared to do some maintenance once in a while.This is not complicated or difficult. A fine oil-stone or a flat peice of wood with leather glued to it will do excellent service in keeping the edges keen and sharp.

Peter,
That's great information; thanks for posting it. I've been cutting some pool noodles lately. Will these dull the blade, too? If so, how easy is it to touch the edge up with a leather strop? I've never used a strop before, is it easy to use?

Thanks!

Scott,
Welcome to the baron club! You're bought yourself quite a sword. I really dig mine.

Congratulations, Scott!

UPS says mine is scheduled for delivery tomorrow..all the great feedback I've been reading on the Baron has made the waiting infinitely worse! LOL

Regards,

Congratulations Scott, you're now the owner of possibly *the* finest type XIIa on the production market.

I know that mine is one of my faves. Couldn't tell that by reading my review could you :D

Just about any contact will dull the edge to a certain degree. Most mediums, including fingers, will dull the edge if even a little. This isn't a big reason for concern since these are tools that are designed for use. Just show your sword the right amount of care and it should last for many years.

Enjoy!

Great info, Peter!

Another one of my preconceptions dispelled. That was useful.

Can you elaborate on using the leather (what kind) to touch-up the edges once in a while.

Thanks,

Alexi

Oh sorry, forgot:
-using a leather strop.
This is really easy actually.
It takes a moment or two of practice and you´ll know how to do it.
I am working to put together my web-site and there will be articles of various topics. I think sword maintenance will have to be one of these topics.
It is easy to describe how to use a strop to restore the sharpness in a blade, but I need to use drawings. Can´t do that right now, sorry.

Can we return to this later?
(... also not to hijack this thread.)

Again: congratualtions to your sword, Scott. May it stay sharp and biting in your hands! ;) :D

Thank you Peter!

I had my suspicions about this because the edge did seem to lose just a bit of bite. (Yes, I TOO am guilty of checking it that way) :blush: And thank you for reminding me of using a fingernail. I used to practice that care with blades, but like most good habits, it was easy to break. I also like the idea of having my oil cloth handy right there so people see the care I'm taking. You, sir, are a wealth of knowledge. ;)

Rabbe, Alexi, Chad - thanks guys for the welcoming!

James - I know how you feel. I think I left permanent marks on my front window waiting for the package. And when it came I was like a kid at Christmas! :D

Patrick - You're my idol. I envy your long experience in collecting and carousing with all of these makers. You must be very proud of your collection. Speaking of, if you ever look out your window to find an army of rent-a-ninjas storming your place, give me a call. I may be in Chicago, but you've got a friend here who's got a BIG sword!!

Thanks again guys! Have a great one!

Scott

Congradulations on your new Baron!

I know I love mine too :D

Thanks Gary!

Being in ARMA you're somebody I should be talking to as well. You probably know how to swing that Baron around pretty well without lopping off an ear. :)

I can't wait to start learning some techniques so I don't look like such a spaz!
LOL

Scott