First, pat the blade dry with a clean rag, like wiping a window after a storm—no streaks, just a clean surface. Then, pour a little oil—can be olive or even a fancy sharpening oil—on a flat stone or a piece of wood. Swirl the blade in a gentle circle, letting the oil loosen any dried blood or grime. After that, you can give the edge a quick wipe with a dry cloth to catch any excess. Now for the sharpening: lay a piece of soft sandpaper or a whetstone on a stable surface. Hold the blade at the same angle you always use—say 20 degrees for most swords. Glide the blade over the stone, making a few even strokes, and keep the angle consistent. If you feel a burr forming, flip the blade over and repeat on the other side. Once you’ve sharpened both edges, wipe the blade again to remove any dust, then polish with a bit of oil and a soft cloth so it shines like a sunrise on the battlefield. And remember, after every fight, treat your sword like an old friend—give it a little love, a quick cleanse, a sharp edge, and it’ll thank you in the next battle.

Exactly! It’s the little whispers of care that keep a blade from feeling like a wild thing. Just like a morning tea ritual, a quick wipe, a sweep on the stone, and a pat of oil, and the sword feels like a trusted companion. When you step back onto the field, it’s already humming in sync with your own rhythm, ready to turn the tide in your favor.

You’ve nailed it—think of the blade like a quiet drum in your pocket, steady and ready. When it’s in tune, every swing feels like a heartbeat, and the fight becomes less about raw force and more about rhythm. Keep that connection tight and the edge will always sing in your favor.