A How-To Question

B

Bill-in-Texas

Joined
Oct 30, 2011
Messages
36
Hey Everyone!

Can anyone share their experience with buffing out scratches in a blade (caused by sloppy sharpening technique)? I have a couple of knives that I'd like to make look as good as possible w/o having to send them off. I've read here, or somewhere, that heat caused by high-revving polishing/grinding wheels can damage the temper of the blade steel. So, what is the consensus of those who've done this, please?

I have an early 501, (Old English script, micarta scales) an early 112 and a 2010 110 that may just get sent in to Buck.
However, I'm curious to learn how it's done by the DIY set.

TIA, Bill
 
Using a wheel is no problem as long as you don't overdo it. Keep a bucket of water nearby; don't work too much on one area at a time. Two passes, dip, let it cool, rinse and repeat.

Alternately, sand the scratches out with increasing grits of paper. Smaller grits (higher numbers) remove less material and effect a greater level of polish. But if you go overboard here you might end up putting a convex grind on your blade.

Good luck.
 
You can purchase some wheels for a drill (cotton, felt and sisal) load these with compound and use then from a bench drill. They should not heat things up much. Its when using larger sisal wheels turning on an axle at 1800 rpm or on a bench grinder that things can heat up. I use mine bare handed and no water to realize when its time to allow for some cooling down of the blade. Even then we're only talking about 120* for 15-30sec. which is not high enough heat to mess with the blades temper. A good knife maker is knowledgable in this area and has had lots of pratice so he would know. With hand sanding and polishing I'd think your safe. Buck will do you a good job. Send it in attn. to Joe Houser. DM
 
I've used bench grinders with a gray wheel (scotch brite) and had the lades hot enough not to want to touch and it doesn't mess with the temper. Just let it cool down and like already mentioned don't over due it. You can get out some pretty deep scratches with a scotch brite wheel (gray wheel). If the scratches are not too deep you can use a buffing wheel and compound. Hand sanding is too labor intensive. If it comes to that send them to Buck and let them do there magic, they work wonders and make the knife look brand new...
 
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