***Bare Blade Policy Customers are strongly encouraged to submit blades in a fully disassembled condition with the habaki removed. All sword services require a complete inspection of the blade prior to acceptance and commencement of work. When disassembly, reassembly, and secure storage are performed by the workshop, a $250 service fee will be added to the work order.
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.
My 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
Traditional “Togishi-style” work,
I perform respectful, disciplined polishing that brings out the blade’s dignity without altering its nature.
This includes:
- Scratch removal
- Surface refinement
- Chipping
- Pitting
- Light/moderate/heavy rust removal
- Controlled brightening
- Correct matte/satin finish depending on blade type
What I 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
- Unnecessary up sales
My goal is preservation, not transformation.
Specializing in:
- Authentic Japanese Manufactured swords
- Non-Japanese & Chinese production (Tanto, wakizashi, katana, nodachi)
- Family-kept blades
- Martial arts training swords/ Iaito
- Blades needing honest evaluation and care
Why I Created the Working Man’s Restoration Polish™
My Working Man’s Restoration Polish™
This service is dedicated to preserving the beauty, history, and character of authentic and reproduction Japanese swords through careful, conservative hand polishing. Whether your katana, wakizashi, or tanto has developed light oxidation, surface scratches, haze, or wear from years of storage, I personally evaluate each blade and tailor the restoration to its condition and intended use. Using traditional water stones and meticulous hand techniques, my goal is to enhance the blade’s natural beauty while revealing the hamon and jihada whenever the steel allows. Every project includes honest communication, progress updates, and before-and-after photographs, so you can follow your sword’s restoration from start to finish.
With the resurgence of production katanas and modern Japanese-style swords on today’s market, many owners simply do not wish to invest $1,100 or more to restore the finish of a blade that originally cost between $100 and $500. My restoration service was created to bridge that gap by providing a professional, detail-oriented alternative that delivers outstanding results without unnecessary expense. I do not cut corners or compromise on craftsmanship; however, this service is not intended to be a museum-grade or historically certified Japanese art polish.
For collectors seeking a traditional, museum-quality restoration performed to the highest standards of classical Japanese sword polishing, I also offer those services by consultation. Due to the extensive labor involved, these projects typically carry an average lead time of 6–8 months and are priced accordingly below.
Whether your goal is to restore a treasured production katana, preserve a family heirloom, or prepare a collectible blade for display, every sword entrusted to my care is treated with the respect, patience, and craftsmanship it deserves.
Working Man’s Restoration Polish™
Practical. Honest. Professional.
Designed for iaidoka, martial artists, collectors, and owners of production and reproduction Japanese swords. Built for swords that are meant to be appreciated—not hidden away. Every sword is evaluated individually, photographed before and after restoration, and polished by hand using traditional water stones with an emphasis on preserving blade geometry, historical character, and long-term integrity.
Professional Restoration Without the Cost of a Traditional Art Polish
Includes:
Surface cleaning – Corrosion removal – Scratch reduction – Edge refinement – Geometry preservation
Please note: Deep scratches, pits, chips, and previous grinding damage may not be completely removable without excessive material removal. Defects will be blended where appropriate while preserving blade geometry and structural integrity.
Typical Finish: Gloss to Semi Mirror Presentation Finish
(Example below is a Kobuse steel polished to Semi Mirror Condition)
| Blade Type | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tanto | $175 |
| Wakizashi | $250 |
| Katana | $350 |
| Ō-Katana | $425 |
| Ōdachi | $500 |
Foundation Polish (Shitaji Togishi)
Establishes blade geometry, removes corrosion, reduces scratches, and prepares the blade for final finishing.
Please note: Deep scratches, pits chips, and previous grinding damage may not be completely removable without material removal. Where appropriate, defects will be blended and feathered to reduce their visual appearance while preserving the blades’ geometry and structural integrity.
Typical Finish: Satin
| Blade Type | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tanto | $450 |
| Wakizashi | $575 |
| Katana | $700 |
| Ō-Katana | $800 |
| Ōdachi | $900 |
Finished Polish (Shiage Togishi)
Refines the blade surface, enhances visual presentation, improves hamon visibility when present, and prepares the blade for display or collection.
Please note: Deep scratches, pits chips, and previous grinding damage may not be completely removable without material removal. Where appropriate, defects will be blended and feathered to reduce their visual appearance while preserving the blades’ geometry and structural intergrity.
Typical Finish: Mirror
| Blade Type | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tanto | $550 |
| Wakizashi | $700 |
| Katana | $850 |
| Ō-Katana | $975 |
| Ōdachi | $1,100 |
Complete Hand Polish (Foundation + Finished Polish) Premium Service
This service includes every stage of restoration from foundation shaping through final hand finishing and is intended for collector-grade swords, traditionally forged blades, and heirloom-quality restorations. Due to the highly refined finish, this service is generally not recommended for training or active cutting blades.
Typical Finish: Mirror
Below is an example of a Kobuse steel blade that has been meticulously hand polished to a Mirror presentation finish. This level of restoration requires substantially more hand polishing, traditional stone progression, and surface refinement than either a Working Man’s Restoration Polish™ or Foundation Polish .
| Blade Type | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tanto | $950 |
| Wakizashi | $1,200 |
| Katana | $1,450 |
| Ō-Katana | $1,650 |
| Ōdachi | $1,850 |
- Please note: Deep scratches, pits chips, and previous grinding damage may not be completely removable without material removal. Where appropriate, defects will be blended and feathered to reduce their visual appearance while preserving the blades’ geometry and structural integrity.
Edge Resharpening / Edge Reset (Included with ALL the Above Services)
Restore cutting power without full polish
| Blade Type | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tanto | $80 |
| Wakizashi | $112 |
| Katana | $150 |
| Ō-Katana | $175 |
| Ōdachi | $225 |
Geometry & Line Correction Only** (Included with ALL the Above Services)
(Shinogi line • Kissaki shape • Sori refinement • Surface correction)
| Severity | Add-On Price |
|---|---|
| Minor | +$75 |
| Moderate | +$120 |
| Severe | +$300 |
Rust Removal & Surface Restoration Only**(Surface Rust removal, Included with ALL the Above Services)
Added only when needed. Customer will be notified if an upcharge is required
| Severity | Price |
|---|---|
| Surface Rust | Free |
| Moderate Rust | $60 |
| Heavy Rust / Patina Removal | $150 |
Fingerprints / Oil Stain / Film Removal**
(Included with all above services)
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic Cleaning | Free |
| Deep Cleaning | Free |
Begin a Sharpening/Polishing Request
For quotes or evaluation photos, contact:
contact@isshin-katana.com
or visit the Contact page.