Sharpening & Polishing — 刀の研ぎ
1. Blade Length Classifications
| Classification | Metric Length | Shaku / Sun | Inches | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanto | 0–30 cm | 0–1 shaku | 0–11.8 in | Short blade |
| Wakizashi | 30–60 cm | 1–2 shaku | 11.8–23.6 in | Medium blade |
| Katana | 60–72 cm | 2–2.4 shaku | 23.6–28.3 in | Standard sword |
| Ō-Katana | 72–90 cm | 2.4–3 shaku | 28.3–35.4 in | Long warrior sword |
| Ōdachi / Nodachi | 90+ cm | 3+ shaku | 35.4+ in | Ultra-long sword |
Restoring the Spirit of the Blade
Sharpening and polishing are approached as disciplines, not services.
Each blade is treated with the same respect the samurai held for their weapons — as an extension of the warrior’s heart.
Our work is done entirely by hand, with controlled pressure, intentional angles, and traditional respect.
🔥
Sharpening (Ha-Mise & Ha-Niku 調整)
Proper sharpening is not just making the blade “sharp.”
It is restoring the correct geometry of the edge:
- Ha-Mise — revealing the cutting edge
- Ha-Niku Adjustment — correcting the meat/convexity behind the edge
- Edge alignment — correcting rolls or warping
- Symmetry correction — ensuring the left and right bevels match
No belt grinders.
No shortcuts.
No heat damage.
No loss of steel.
✨
Polishing (Togi 研ぎ)
Each polishing stage is performed to reveal the character already within the steel:
- Hamon activity
- Jihada pattern (itame, masame, mokume)
- Nie and nioi formations
- Chikei, kinsuji, sunagashi
- Contrast and clarity
While we do not claim “traditional togishi-level” work,
we perform respectful, disciplined polishing that brings out the blade’s dignity without altering its nature.
This includes:
- Scratch removal
- Surface refinement
- Light rust removal
- Controlled brightening
- Correct matte/satin finish depending on blade type
🛡️
What We Will NEVER Do
- No machine grinding
- No power tools on edges
- No mirror polishes that erase hamon
- No overpolishing
- No altering original geometry
- No removing history or signatures
Our goal is preservation, not transformation.
⚔️
Best For:
- Manufactured katana blades
- Chinese / Japanese blades
- Japanese-style production swords
- Family-kept blades
- Martial arts training swords
- Tanto, wakizashi, katana, nodachi
- Blades needing honest evaluation and care
Foundation Polish (Shitaji Togishi)
Geometry restoration • Surface leveling • Rust removal prep
| Blade Type | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tanto | $150 |
| Wakizashi | $225 |
| Katana | $300 |
| Ō-Katana | $375 |
| Ōdachi | $450 |
Finish Polish (Shiage Togishi)
Hamon clarity • Hadori / Sashikomi • Final refinement
| Blade Type | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tanto | $200 |
| Wakizashi | $300 |
| Katana | $400 |
| Ō-Katana | $500 |
| Ōdachi | $600 |
Full Traditional Polish Package
(Foundation + Finish Combined)
| Blade Type | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tanto | $325 |
| Wakizashi | $475 |
| Katana | $650 |
| Ō-Katana | $800 |
| Ōdachi | $950 |
Edge Resharpening / Edge Reset
Restore cutting power without full polish
| Blade Type | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tanto | $80 |
| Wakizashi | $120 |
| Katana | $150 |
| Ō-Katana | $175 |
| Ōdachi | $225 |
Geometry & Line Correction
(Shinogi line • Kissaki shape • Sori refinement • Surface correction)
Added only when needed.
| Severity | Add-On Price |
|---|---|
| Minor | +$50 |
| Moderate | +$100 |
| Severe / Warped | +$150–$200 |
Rust Removal & Surface Restoration
| Severity | Price |
|---|---|
| Surface Rust | $40 |
| Moderate Rust | $75 |
| Heavy Rust / Patina Removal | $125 |
Fingerprints / Oil Stain / Film Removal
(Light maintenance)
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic Cleaning | $15 |
| Deep Cleaning | $30 |
📩
Begin a Sharpening/Polishing Request
For quotes or evaluation photos, contact:
contact@isshin-katana.com
or visit the Contact page.
