Sword Repair

Introduction:

We often receive questions concerning the repair or refurbishing of a sword or saber. Above all, sword/saber repair and refurbishing is a difficult, and often expensive, undertaking. The cost of the repair/refurbishing, in addition to the cost of insured freight (possibly to an overseas destination), can often exceed the price of a new sword/saber. Antique swords and sabers are often worth more in their original, unrepaired condition.

Definition of Terms:

• Sword Repair - commonly refers to completely replacing a part that is broken or missing.
• Sword Refinishing/Refurbishing - commonly refers to buffing, replating, and/or refinishing the sword/saber. It might involve new parts, but often has a goal of bringing the original sword and sword parts back to a like-new condition.

Sword Repair:

• We cannot repair a sword or saber unless it is a WKC sword/saber. Each sword manufacturer has different tooling dies that are used to cast the various sword/saber pieces. The pieces are meant to fit together as a unit. For example, a WKC US Army Officer Saber hand grip will likely not fit an Army Officer Saber guard made by a different manufacturer. Difficulty of fitting is especially true of fitting sword blades to scabbards because the different manufacturers' sword blades have varying degrees of curvature and bevel. Most scabbards will not fit blades manufactured by other companies.
• To find out your sword/saber's manufacturer, look at the sword's ricasso, the flat part of the blade next to the grip. The ricasso will often name the country of origin and in most cases the manufacturer. Sometimes, manufacturers will allow distributors to place the distributor's logo on the ricasso, something Marlow White does not do. Keep in mind that just because the country of origin is Germany, it does not necessarily mean your sword/saber was made by WKC.
• We do carry a limited number of WKC sword/saber parts.

Sword Refurbishing/Refinishing:

• If you now own your Grandfather's 60-year-old saber that has become corroded, pitted, and oxidized, the saber will need to be refinished or refurbished. Again, keep in mind that antique swords and sabers are often worth more in their original, unrepaired condition.
• As a general rule, Marlow White does not offer refurbishing or refinishing services. WKC swords and sabers can be refinished, but it is an expensive process. If your WKC sword and/or scabbard need to be refinished, please e-mail us and describe the condition so that we may be able to estimate the cost. After sending us the sword and/or scabbard, we will then send it to WKC in Germany to have it refinished by their master craftsmen. Please keep in mind that, due to the handwork and freight involved, it is usually cheaper to buy a new sword and scabbard.
• Please consider the option to repair your sword with replacement parts as it is often less expensive.
• We are unable to refinish/refurbish swords and sabers made by other manufacturers.

Other options include:

• The sword and scabbard can be taken to a local metal-working company where they can be replated with the proper finish (gold, nickel, etc.) at a more reasonable cost. Please make sure the company you take it to is trustworthy, stands behind their work, and is fully insured.
• If you cannot find someone locally, there are several US sword companies that may be willing to refurbish or refinish your sword. Before sending off your sword/saber, you will want to contact them to receive a quote or estimate.
  • Ames Sword
  • Wilkinson Swords (based in the UK - but no longer manufacturing swords).
• We cannot vouch for the quality of any other sword manufacturer or repair company.