2nd Hidden Tag Completed

D

dax51

Joined
Dec 9, 2009
Messages
65
Man this is addictive ... just finished my second hidden tang. I think I am getting better with each knife thanks to the many tips on this forum. Still a lot to learn so I will keep making. I am struggling with mirror shine. I am using 3M polishing cloth to 8000 grit. I don't have a buffer .. all work done with files and sand paper.

Any Tips?
I can use all the help I can get!

5/32 01 Tool, Nickel/Silver guard & Butt, Figured Walnut handle. 5 1/2" Blade 10 1/2" overall.

Dave
 

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Nice Job,shows you don't have to have a bunch of fancy tools to make a nice knife.
Keep it up.
Stan
 
Looks good to me. I think the key to a mirror polish is patience (takes a long time) and staying on each grit level for a long time. I know from wood working that the key to a smooth piece is making sure every spot is smooth on each grit level. You move up in grit when you have a gash here or there and you need to do it all over again. Grab a coffee, polish rag and some polish and go to town on the last step.

If you had a few bucks to spend, getting a cheap benchgrinder would help a lot. $30 or so for a used one with a buffer wheel. Would save a lot of time and pain lol.

Definitely an inspiration though, I really should get my self a good set of files and a vise.
 
riz_aaroni said:
If you had a few bucks to spend, getting a cheap benchgrinder would help a lot. $30 or so for a used one with a buffer wheel. Would save a lot of time and pain lol.
Click to expand...

Good idea but be careful with bench grinder motors. Since they run fast, its a lot easier for the wheel to grab the knife and throw it across the room. There's a reason why buffers have a lower RPM than bench grinders.
 
BChou-E29 said:
Good idea but be careful with bench grinder motors. Since they run fast, its a lot easier for the wheel to grab the knife and throw it across the room. There's a reason why buffers have a lower RPM than bench grinders.
Click to expand...

True. Should have mentioned that. Could buy a buffer or scale a bench grinder down to slow the wheel. Like a belt from the bench grinder to a large wheel that would transfer the power to the actual buffer/stone you were using.
 
I really like the look of the knife. Two things stand out, however.
1) The handle needs some filler worked in and then an oil finish applied in several coats. This can still be done as is.
2) The blade is only partially polished. Taking it to a hand satin finish would be good. You can still work on the blade now, but it will be much harder than getting it done before assembly. Mirror finishes only last until something touches it....then it is a scratched finish.
Stacy
 
Thanks

I think I do want to work on a satin finish....
What is the best way to take it to a satin finish?

Dave
 
I have found that the scotchbrite belts and pads are great for a satin finish. Fast too!
 
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