All About Pocket Knives

I know the pic lacks detail but I think you can get enough detail to get my question answered. I would like to learn to put a mirror finish on this blade using hand power only. I have sand paper from 100 grit to 220. I have wet sand paper that is 1000 grit. I have the finest steel wool. I have a auto aluminum wheel polish. I have the polishing compound that came with my dremel. Is the mirror finish possible with what I have? If not is it possible with additional stuff? If not, is it possible using the dremel. I do have a washing machine motor I have a grinding wheel on that I use for rough sharpening of lawn mower blades and garden tools. Would a buffing wheel on that provide some additional help? Is the gap in the sanding what is leaving the scratches?

Help!

Quote "Is the gap in the sanding what is leaving the scratches?"

Yes.

I would start with 400 or so , then 800-1200, then maybe 2000. Then a whole lot of hand rubbing with the polishing paste.
It will be hard to get out those 100 grit scratches, so I would start finer.
Mark

I've had good luck with 3M polishing cloths.I fol;d them over a piece of 2x4, wet-em down and work slowly. They come in 400 thru 8000 and will definetly leave a mirror polish. A little expensive though. Slim http://www.cooltools.us/SearchResults.a ... h=3m+paper

I also use hand power only, and even though I've yet to receive a mirror finish, I get close.

I start with 400 grit 3M sand paper purchased at Ace. I use it wet. I then move to 1500 grit. Then Flitz Metal Polish and a Cutco Polishing cloth. Works pretty good, but not mirrow finish.

My latest job....before and after pics.

Ramrod wrote:Quote "Is the gap in the sanding what is leaving the scratches?"

Yes.

I would start with 400 or so , then 800-1200, then maybe 2000. Then a whole lot of hand rubbing with the polishing paste.
It will be hard to get out those 100 grit scratches, so I would start finer.
Mark

You don’t want the Dermel here.

I would use wet/dry sandpaper 400, 600, 800. 1000. 1200. 1500 and then 2000 grits in that order, being sure I remove all the scratches from the previous grit before moving to the next finer grit. I usually use WD-40 on the wet/dry paper to make it cut better.

After 2000 wet/dry I would go back to 1200 grit 3M Polishing Paper as it leaves a finer scratch pattern. After 1200 3M I would use 4000, 6000 and finish with 8000. It should be near a mirror finish. If you want more polish check with a hobby shop for 12,000 grit modeling paper. That is the finest paper I have seen.

After that if it is not a mirror polish you would need to try a very fine polishing compound.

The key to this method is to be absolutely sure you remove all the 400 grit scratches with the 600 grit before you move on to the 800 grit. Then be sure all the 600 grit scratches are taken out with the 800 before you move up to 1000 grit. Continue that way each time you change to a finer grit.

Hope this helps,
Dale

dale pretty much covered it

Wow! Thanks all. I checked all the local hardware stores today with no luck on the fine polishing paper. There is a hobby shop near by. I will check there tomorrow if they are open. How about the method of sanding? Is there a grain direction in metal I should look for. Do I work the knife against the paper or work the paper against the knife. Light pressure or heavy pressure. How do you get into crevices? The previous paper scratches, will they be obviously larger than the next step sanding?

Try the auto paint stores too. And yes, there is a correct method. Lay (or tape) your sandpaper on a block of marble or other smooth stone (I've also used sheet metal) that is perfectly clean and free of any bumps of any sort. Lay the blade on the paper and gently press while going back and forth from tip to tang. Always use that same direction no matter the paper grade. Try starting off with a piece of 800 in case your blades aren't as bad as they look on the surface, but don't be surprised if you have to start with the grade Dale mentioned. Keep us updated on your progress.

those plastic clipboards work good for that too Bob

Here is where you can order the 3M polishing paper:
http://www.ottofrei.com/store/home.php?cat=820