What's the best way to sharpen a sword blade?

Very carefully... :p

But seriously, I found this article the other day when I was checking out some of the sites in the myArmoury links section. I'm looking to make my first attempt at sharpening a sword as well, so I'm also interested if anyone has any extra tips or instructions.

I use a flat file and stone for Windlass blades. Wear the longest cuffed gloves you can find.

Hey there,
Although this book does not specifically mentions techniques of sharpening swords

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Sharpeni...amp;sr=8-1

I still believe it can be useful if you are new to the "sharpening process". Just remember not to over do it, because the more sharpened the blade is, the more it is prone to nicks.

Don't forget that you are very likely to mess up the first blade or two you try to sharpen. Certainly don't try to learn on any of the good swords in your collection...

I will add my 2 cents! I had to work one summer with a machete. I found draw filing to be a good way to sharpen a large edged tool. Since machetes are cheap, it might be a good item to practice on.

The (excellent) Paladin Press book "Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Art of the Longsword" contains at the end some useful articles about the sword blade, the edge, test cutting, and sharpening of the sword (how to sharpen is described by Peter Johnsson :cool: ). You can read a review of this book in my Reading List ... ;)

If you are also into learning German-style fencing it's in any case worth its money.

Ralph