As a long time player of Spiral Knights, I happened to be around in 2012 for the event where we received one of the Honor series weapons and shields. At the time, I was coming back from Hiatus and was not Vanguard yet, and I received the 4* variant of the set. Now, being a better player with better gear, oftentimes the blade and shield just sit in my inventory and never come to use. Now that GH is taking over, perhaps this can receive a way to get an upgrade to 5*? I'm sure other players feel this way too, and it would definitely become one of my main weapons (despite the fact I'm a Gunner/Bomber mix mainly). Plus, the Lionheart Honor Blade looks AWESOME.
TL:DR: Way to upgrade Honor blade and shield series?
There isn't, as far as I know, they will remain that way forever, think of them as mile stones and nothing more, OOO weren't know for giving free stuff away for nothing. But with a new company taking over, you may be able to suggest this idea.