How Medieval Knights Kept Their Swords Sharp

When a medieval knight issued the command, "Squire! Go sharpen my sword!" the squire knew what it meant. The process involved precise techniques, often carried out on a grinding wheel or with a whetstone.

The Role of the Squire

Knights, as members of the upper class, were entrusted with more dignified tasks. They trusted their squires, who were junior knights in training, to handle the more manual and labor-intensive work of sword sharpening.

The Grinding Wheel Technique

A typical grinding wheel was a large sandstone wheel, about 3 feet in diameter and 6 inches wide. This wheel was powered by a foot pedal, causing it to turn at a steady pace. The squire would draw the blade across the wheel to rebevel the edge. After working one side, the squire would flip the blade and repeat the process on the other side.

Honing with Leather and Sand

Once the edge was rebuffed, the squire might use a piece of leather soaked in water or oil. Sand was then sprinkled over the leather, adhering to it and creating a crude sandpaper effect. This allowed for a finer honing of the blade's edge.

Shaping Chipped Edges with Files

For reshaping chipped edges, a file was typically used. This enabled knights to repair minor damage without having to send their swords to a blacksmith for major restoration.

A Link to Modern Times

The methods used by medieval knights to sharpen their swords are not too different from the techniques used today to maintain an edge on tools and implements. The basic principles of grinding and honing remain the same.

Location and Availability

The availability of grinding wheels and whetstones could vary depending on the region. In general, wherever possible, medieval swords were sharpened on grinding wheels. These wheels were mounted on a pulley system and powered by cranks or foot pedals. If a grinding wheel was unavailable, a whetstone could be used as an alternative.

Conclusion

While the exact method of sharpening a sword could vary, it was crucial for a knight to maintain a sharp weapon. This required the skill and knowledge of their squire and the availability of the right tools. Whether using a grinding wheel or a whetstone, the process was labor-intensive but essential for a knight's weapons to remain battle-ready.