Translation guide
A person who sharpens swords, or a tool used for sharpening swords. In Japanese, the term depends on whether you mean a craftsman, a simple sharpening tool, or part of sword maintenance.
Referring to a craftsman or artisan whose job is to sharpen swords, especially Japanese swords.
A professional sharpener or polisher, especially for Japanese swords. This is the most common term for a person who sharpens swords as a craft.
He is a famous sword sharpener.
Literally 'sword sharpening', but can also refer to the person who does it, though less common than 研ぎ師.
The skill of sword sharpening takes many years to master.
A polisher or grinder, sometimes used for sword sharpeners in a broader sense, but more commonly for other types of polishing.
The polisher is sharpening the sword blade.
Referring to a physical tool, such as a whetstone, sharpening rod, or electric sharpener used to sharpen swords.
A whetstone, the traditional tool used for sharpening swords and other blades. Often used in the context of Japanese sword maintenance.
I use a whetstone to sharpen the sword.
Loanword from English 'sharpener', used for modern sharpening tools, but may sound less traditional for swords.
A sharpening device specifically for swords. This is a descriptive phrase rather than a common term.
The English phrase 'sword sharpener' can be ambiguous. In Japanese, you must distinguish between a person (研ぎ師) and a tool (砥石 or シャープナー). Using the wrong word can cause confusion.
このシャープナーで刀を研げますか？
Can I sharpen a sword with this sharpener?
I'm looking for a sword sharpener (device).