Biff

The blade should be stoned in order to remove the scratches. If you proceed straight to the buffing wheel, you will just polish the scratches, therefore having shiny scratches. you will need to start with probably a 220 grit stone and work your way finer with stones in grit increments of 100..(220,320,400,500...etc.) untill you have achieved your desired finish. Be sure to use a stoning lubricant. This doesn't have to be anything fancy, any solvent will do. What is important, however, is to not use the same solvent for each stone. If you are stoning with the 500 grit stone and use the same solvent as the 220 grit stone, you will pull floating particles from the 220 grit stone, thereby scratching your 500 finish. Dont get in a hurry and I'm sure you will be pleased with your results.

Thanks to everyone for this chance to introduce myself. I have been a toolmaker/ moldmaker for twenty-some years now. Over the last couple of years my father has gotten me and my eight year old son into blacksmithing, mostly knifemaking. I see that there is a lot of talent on this forum and I look forward to all future interactions. Thanks for letting me on board. Biff

That's right, we all know the rr has never taken anything that didn't belong to them.