5 Test Knives for Atlanta Blade Show???

David Loukides

David Loukides

Joined
Mar 17, 2006
Messages
1,363
Hi Guys,
Bring laid off I now have plenty of time to work on my 5 Test knives.
A good even hand rubbed finish is a must.
But to what extent of Grits would you use for the blade of a:
Camp knife....
Field knife.....
Dress Bowie.....
Fighter.....
etc.....
Comments from those that had passed are GREATLY APPRECIATED.
All comments a Welcome!!!!!
Thanks for your input:thumbup:
 
I'm pretty certain it doesn't matter what grits you use just so long as you do it well. I personally go for 600 grit pretty much across the board for a hand rubbed finish, but that's just me. I like it as a "user" finish because it's really easy to touch up if it does get messed up, but doesn't tend to get too messed up with use.

-d
 
deker said:
I'm pretty certain it doesn't matter what grits you use just so long as you do it well. I personally go for 600 grit pretty much across the board for a hand rubbed finish, but that's just me. I like it as a "user" finish because it's really easy to touch up if it does get messed up, but doesn't tend to get too messed up with use.

-d
Click to expand...

Yep, ditto
 
Another ditto here also. Mine were 600. Although a real nice 400 looks good too. The main thing is make it good with no fish hooks, no 220 scratches showing through, etc. Clean is the word.
 
I also like a 400 or 600 grit finish. a 400 grit hand rub then put on the buffer looks quite nice as well
 
From my experience, (limited as it may be) the Judges seem to be looking for a 400 or finer finish as even as possible. No start/stops or j hooks in it. I have heard of some not passing due to a coarse finish. Any style forged knife is fine but I would suggest simple and clean. Do not try to impress the judges by doing something off the wall unless you can do it flawlessly. Remember they have probably done it before and better than most of us could. And one big thing is NO DAMASCUS or DAMASCUS looking material ie mokume, on ANY part of the knife. You will be failed if there is any. Read the requirements a couple of times to make sure you have not missed anything. Most of all do what you are comfortable with and try to have fun with the experience.

Good Luck
 
My 5 were all hand rubbed to 800 grit. Then I went backward to 600grit and made sure they were all straight and even. I then used 0000 steel wool and flitz to finish them up..
Going 1 grit past what you want then backing up will help assure that you don't have any 220 or 400 scratches left.
I don't like to put any finished blade on the buffer. It tends to leave shiny and dull spots. This could appear to be an uneven finish, to the judges..

Just keep these 3 words in mind... CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN....

Good luck!!


Steve
 
Trust me when I say that I would not go below 400X, but most important is that you do whatever grit in a very consistent and controlled manner. Cross scratches, fish hooks and circular irregularities in the polish are a no-no.
Finish things down to one consistant grit and then use a flexible but firm backing (hard rubber, leather or perhaps a wood) to pull your final finish lines all in one neat direction.
 
Kevin R. Cashen said:
Trust me when I say that I would not go below 400X, but most important is that you do whatever grit in a very consistent and controlled manner. Cross scratches, fish hooks and circular irregularities in the polish are a no-no.
Finish things down to one consistant grit and then use a flexible but firm backing (hard rubber, leather or perhaps a wood) to pull your final finish lines all in one neat direction.
Click to expand...
A 3M rubber sanding block from Home Depot or Lowes works well.:thumbup:
 
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