2 Questions

S

Stag & Steel

Joined
Nov 30, 2005
Messages
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I HOPE THE JACKASS AVATAR IS TIED UP! The first question I have had as many answers as people I've asked. I am hoping some of the "WISE SAGES" around here will have the answers.

What is blade length? When I spec a knife that has a gaurd, I call everything in front of the gaurd "blade", when it has no gaurd, I call everything in front of the handle "blade". When it has no handle (skeleton) I usually pick a point at which a handle would end, if it had one and measure from there.

I have always made and sold polished blades until recently, now have been doing bead blasted. I have been requested to make satin finished blades and I am wondering is there some standard or is it subjective? Is it any sanded finish directional or nondirectional? Is it 220 wet sanded...240...320...400...600?

Belonging to this forum has caused me to stretch a little and that is good, but I like to do things right. Any constructive help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim
 
I'd go with what you said about the blade length.

I haven't done any bead blasting for a few years but this is how I used to do it. I'd say go with at least a 320 going with the blade. After that was done I had gotten some 150 grit garnet and hit the blade with that first and then do the glass bead. I always found the glass bead wasn't very agrasive. Doing the 150 grit first really sped things up. As of now this will be your first bit of advise, be ready to get more.
 
Thanks Raymond, I have the bead blasting down pat, it is the definition of SATIN finish that I need defined. What is satin to me may be poor workmanship to another.
Thanks,Jim
 
I feel the same way as you on the blade length thing
The satin finish to me is a hand rubbed finish in one direction but very fine grit say around 2000. It is not touched on the buffer. I got a really nice satin on 52100 the other day, I etched it and then buffed it. Looked pretty good. I dont like polished blades usually.
 
IMHO, a satin finish is any finish above (or including) 600 grit which is easily restored with sandpaper, should the surface get scratched/tarnished.

A handrubbed satin finish, on the other hand, is one which is completely non-reflective and should look like angel-hair whisping in the wind...

(sappy enough for ya? :p)
 
Thanks guys, that gives me some direction! Daniel that's not sappy, it's just your artistic flare trying to come to the surface. I'll keep that mental image in my mind as I work. May many magnificient blades roll off you guys fingers today!
Jim
 
I asked about the same question to a knifemaker I met recently.
He told me to get a nice satinfinish first sand it up to app. 340 and then finish it off with 1000.
(that's what he told me, I never did a satin myself)
 
I like satin. Never was fond of mirror polish. High polish is good on knife furniture to contrast with a satin blade though.
 
I prefer a satin finish, too. Looks like steel! And, you're not afraid to use it for fear of scratching it. Also, for a new guy like me, it hides blade "features" better (if you don't look too close!):o
 
Just realized I forgot to mention one thing regarding the satin finish...for me, it can be applied by machine or by hand. As long as it's even.


A handrubbed finish, though, requires (duh) hand rubbing the steel from 400 up to 1200 or 2000 depending on the depth of your anal retentiveness. :D :p
 
Ive wondered the same for blade length. I am making a cutting comp knife and the standards all say 10" maxblade with 15" OAL max and 2" width max...does that include ricasso or is it 10" of cutting edge? I want to maximize cutting edge and will adjust my ricasso accordingly depending on answer...
 
Tik Tock..I will answer your question:
Blade length on a cutting comp knife is measured from tip to front of guard,no matter how much riccasso you have it is still blade length...
The total is from tip of blade to end of the handle,so you need to adjust guard thickness to makimize your handle length some....
Blade width is the widest point on the knife so be careful if your blade thickens any from the riccasso to the point....

This is also how I measure all my blade lengths.

I agree with all on the satin finish also,My rule of thumb is 800-1000 on a user and on up to 4000 (when my patience will allow it,hehe)on a collecter quality piece.

Bruce
 
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