Did Romans sharpen their weapons?continued from inlaid pugio

[Sean Manning]

If it is a question of how sharp they were kept, presumably as sharp as your legions armourer could get it?

That depends, Like I said, the sharper you make a blade, the easier the edge will be damaged, and the faster it will wear out. On the other hand, if its too dull it will be less effective on weak cuts and slices. And the sharper you want it, the more work to keep it that way! Over 500 years and a continent, I'm sure that some swords were razor blades, and others more like letter openers.

I agree with Mike that metallurgical evidence would be the best kind, if such an investigation is possible.