Blade Polishing Tricks

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Viking45
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Blade Polishing Tricks

Post by Viking45 »

Need some advise on polishing a couple fixed blade knives.

I was going to use some fine grit sandpaper....just kidding :lol:

The knives have some very fine blemishes from years of handling. If Bill could turn this from this I know the blemishes on my other knives can buff out.
From This-
OldHubie-07.jpg
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To This-
00a1Hubertus.jpg
00a1Hubertus.jpg (155.84 KiB) Viewed 2968 times
I have two grinders,one 6 in and one 10 in is there a paper wheel or perhaps my Dremel,I have every attachment known to man.
Like to get them to a mirror or least close.

Any help would be appreciated.
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: Blade Polishing Tricks

Post by Bill DeShivs »

Fine grit sandpaper! Start with 320 grit automotive wet/dry paper. Move to 400 grit, 600 grit, 1000 grit, 1500, 2000, 2500.
That's how I do it. Then I buff with a buffer. The Dremel is for small items only-not blades. I also use Japanese water stones and diamond files.
Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler
http://www.billdeshivs.com
Factory authorized repairs for:
Latama, Mauro Mario, LePre, Colonial, Kabar, Flylock, Schrade Cut Co., Presto, Press Button, Hubertus, Grafrath, Kuno Ritter knives, Puma, Burrell Cutlery.
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Viking45
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Re: Blade Polishing Tricks

Post by Viking45 »

Dang Bill that sounds like work :lol:
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: Blade Polishing Tricks

Post by Bill DeShivs »

It's a lot of work!
Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler
http://www.billdeshivs.com
Factory authorized repairs for:
Latama, Mauro Mario, LePre, Colonial, Kabar, Flylock, Schrade Cut Co., Presto, Press Button, Hubertus, Grafrath, Kuno Ritter knives, Puma, Burrell Cutlery.
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Viking45
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Re: Blade Polishing Tricks

Post by Viking45 »

An auto parts store may have the sand paper but what kind of buffer do you use?
Do you have the knife belt sander with a buffer on the extended shaft or some other kind?

I only have bench grinders but they make cotton buffing wheels for them.
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: Blade Polishing Tricks

Post by Bill DeShivs »

I have at least 9 buffers in my shop. 4 are dedicated extended-shaft buffers. The others are converted bench grinders.
Slow speed is better than fast, but most bench grinders are fast-3600 RPM. Use smaller buffing wheels with them to decrease the surface speed.
If you buff before ALL the pits are sanded out you will just slur them.
Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler
http://www.billdeshivs.com
Factory authorized repairs for:
Latama, Mauro Mario, LePre, Colonial, Kabar, Flylock, Schrade Cut Co., Presto, Press Button, Hubertus, Grafrath, Kuno Ritter knives, Puma, Burrell Cutlery.
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Viking45
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Re: Blade Polishing Tricks

Post by Viking45 »

I plan to take your advice and use the paper because I have several knives that could really use the going over,one is an old Hubie fixed blade I got off e-Bay and it's really unique but I can see someone used steel wool because the blemishes are easily recognizable and they stop near the choil/tang area.
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: Blade Polishing Tricks

Post by Bill DeShivs »

Steel wool won't generally mark a knife blade. They probably sanded it.
Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler
http://www.billdeshivs.com
Factory authorized repairs for:
Latama, Mauro Mario, LePre, Colonial, Kabar, Flylock, Schrade Cut Co., Presto, Press Button, Hubertus, Grafrath, Kuno Ritter knives, Puma, Burrell Cutlery.
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Viking45
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Re: Blade Polishing Tricks

Post by Viking45 »

Yeah I bet your right. But it is not deep so I think with a little work I can polish it up nicely.
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