I recently handled the new VOC Cutlass from Hanwei, and was really impressed with both the look and handling. I am not a fan of antiqued reproductions, however, and I was wondering if anybody can think of a good, preferably cheap, way of removing this finish without messing up the handling characteristics and temper of the sword. The finish is fairly light, not nearly as dark as on some of their pieces (the previous run of viking spearheads comes to mind), but is still noticeable and not really to my liking.

Thanks...

Perhaps this featured article can be useful... It is about how to preserve the finish but also how to restore it, so I guess some of these methods might be used to remove the antiqued finish.