Generation 2 sword -- opinions?

[Curt Dunham]

What is the best way to sharpen a longsword blade? I only have small sharpening stones used for knives, so what will ne needed for a large sword?

I sharpen mine with a rubber sanding block and sand paper, starting with 120 grit (or 80 for removing dings) and working up to 300 grit wet/dry paper. You can go finer if you want shiner finish and/or switch to 3M Scotch-Brite scrubbing pads.

The rubber sanding block helps blend the edge into the blade proper yielding a strong convex edge.

Curt Dunham
SFL-ARMA

[david a goodman]

if you do use a file, b very careful, you can take off excess metal very quickly if youre not paying attention. if youve already got a good sharpening stone, use that to get the basic shape then hone the edge w a fine arkansas white stone. w a stone or a file, u will want to keep either one at about a 23-degree angle for the best effect.
this is what has always workd for me by using rocks. w the files you may want to experiment on a old blade just to get the feel for it. important thing is to take your time when shaping/sharpening any blade, the time you spend will b well worth it.
dave