Micro scratches

[steve sells]

I had a nice show last fall 30 small blades on display in the glass case, nice cool morning at the Ren Faire, then the SUN came out, when that light hit them in the case, I had to put 8 blades back in the case.

When the lunch crowd thinned out I went into the pavillion and started hand polishing the 'clouds' that appreared on my blades. lucky for me I do carry rough and felt cloth in addition to oil and windex.

dont forget the sun light too. it can show some strange things. I was very embarrased

[plain ol Bill]

Ed is right on about lighting. I have standard incandescent, halogen, and fluoresent all over my finishing area and each will show things the others don't. That said 99% of my work is damascus and I just go to a 600 grit finish on it before etching.

[larry harley]

after my oldest son had completed his first few knives i asked him what was the hardest part he said finishing
i asked why
he said "because theres so much rubbing"
harley
sand paper possum

[wolfy9005]

I agree that a sander/buffer is faster and easier, but 1 little laps in concentration and you can potentially ruin a few week(or months) work. Just stick with the sand paper and leather/newspaper approach. You can always use a low speed drill with a buffing wheel attached and just control the amount you push down. You can always finish with the leather/newspaper step if you want.

[Robert Mayo]

Sunlight sure has a way of making things show up. When i think i'm done sanding i will walk out of the shop into the sun and take a close look at the blade i can always find some more scraches that you cannot see in the shop.