I know this sounds like it may have been covered before, but I could not find an answer to my specific question when I searched the forums.

How do quality swordmakers (such as Albion) decide on how sharp an edge their blades will have? My only genuinly quality sword is an Albion Ringeck, which has a blade that I would describe as 'sharpened,' though not necessarily 'sharp,' per se.

Now I understand that as an XVa it is a thrusting sword by nature, and also that a sword need not be 'razor sharp' to be effective in the cut, but how does a company lik Albion (or indeed any other) decide on just how sharp their blades will be?

Thanks in advance for any answers.

I don't have a definitve answer for you, but here are some threads from our Spotlght Topics that touch on aspects of this:

"Sword Sharp"
Good Cutters
Rapier cutting ability

If your sword maker is good and has done their research, the sharpness should vary by sword type and purpose.