another mirror

J. Neilson

J. Neilson

Joined
Feb 6, 2001
Messages
3,621
I know a mirror polish isn't a big deal to alot of folks but, I still really tickled about it so I want to show it off. This is the 3rd so far. Dan, I haven't tried your method yet but, it's in the works now.
thuya%20hunter.JPG
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=240698
Coop, Jim Cooper, has also been helping me with my photos.
 
That is really nice, the overall shape, the materials used are great, they highlight the whole package. Nice, clean and perfect fit and finish. You should be proud of this one, I know if it was mine I would be. :cool:

thanks for shareing

Bill
 
J., I really like the lines of this one. Mirror polish doesn't bother me at all, actually I like it. I also like Tess's leather work. You two make a great team. Keep up the nice work.

Rick
 
Very nice stuff, J. My personal preference is satin finish, but most guys that order hunters from me want a "shiny" knife! Nice design, material combination and of course sheath as well.

Clint
 
Nicely done J! That's a snazzy knife, and your photography is great! I enjoy seeing your work here. When is your next show?

Dave
 
Thanks guys. Comments from fellow makers mean a hell of alot to me. Who else would know better?

Dave-our next show is the Keystone Blade show in Lewisburg, PA. Then I've got a couple more PA shows, the EPKCA Schenecksville shows in there. Then I'm hoping to see some of you in Harrisonburg, VA. Haven't been there yet.:D
 
Dan- the time was pretty much the same, I finished these blades before talking to you. I have a damascus "crook-back" I'm doing right now that I'm using your method on. I'll mirror polish it before I etch it. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks.
 
I am not trying to be negative, but mirror polishing damascus and then etching it is really a big waste of time.
 
Well Tom, I figured it was the next blade I was doing and I wanted to see how Dan's method worked so, what the hell. I also know a few folks that mirror polish their blades before etching, claiming that the etches came out better. Seems to me I'm killing two birds with one stone as opposed to wasting time.;)
 
Nice looking knife :)

I do agree with Tom on the damascus. When you mirror polish it you are creating a very fine surface that will resist the etch. You will get a mucky etch.

A much cleaner etch can be achieved by hand-sanding to 400 or 600x and then if you want it shiny...carefully hand sand it with 1200 or 2000x paper and a sanding block after your're done etching.

It's not really that it's a waste of time to me, as it is a detriment to your finish.

Just my $0.02 :)
Nick
 
I know we all have different techniques and ways of getting to the same finished product, and there is really no wrong way, if you achieve the finished product you desire, But I've etched blades both ways, sanded to a good clean 400 and to a mirror finish, I take all my blades to a mirror finish now, to me they look nicer and the patterns are more defined.

just my $0.01 and now I'm broke. :D

Bill
 
I agree Bill. There's alot of stuff I'm still playing around with, and though I get alot of great help and info. from folks on the Forum, I always like to try things out for myself. I'm sure most of us do. And yes, I do usually do things the hard way to start.:D
 
the point is, I usually leave my blades (small folder blades) in ferric chloride for about 10 minutes, and I never take them past 220 grit, as the belt scratches are all dissolved by the acid.....I see no reason whatsoever for taking a damascus blade that you are going to stick in an acid bath for any length of time to be taken past 320 grit max...........the longer you leave it in there the more contrast you are going to get and the more any lack of finish is going to disappear!!! Hi contrast is what we are after, is it not? :confused:
 
Tom I see what your saying and like I said we all have different ideas and techniques, its what works for you or anyone else, I just like results from a mirror finished etch better. I have done several with a 400 grit finish and to me there is a difference.
I was told this by a maker that has been making damascus for close to 30 yrs., when you etch, if theres a blemish of any kind like a scratch or a tiny nick, the acid will eat on it at the same rate as the smooth surfaces, therefore etching in the blemish, but if you mirror finish you definately remove all blemishes and there's no scratches to etch down into. Like I said I like the finished look better with a mirror finish, probably 99.9 % of the people that look at them and a 400 grit might not see enough difference to notice.

darn, that was another $0.01, now I'm in the red. :D

Bill
 
My 2 cents..:footinmou
I do know if you buff before you get the
so called highs and lows out you just buff them in
farther (the lows) and cut the transition lines out
as bill is saying I see the same happening.
I can see what Tom is saying too,
I think the way it's etched
timing, strength of acid ecct,this all may equalize your preceding
preparations also..done different but coming out somewhat the same.
do you think this could be the case here..:confused:
we're traveling to the same place
but using different modes of transportation clearly.:)
it would be very interesting to put the two finished
pieces side by side and compare notes and times it took
to accomplish the end results.:)
 
REALLY great knife,J.N.!! I'll bet you are going to hate to see that"child"go!! I sure would!Lotta TLC in your work,guy,and do us the honor of posting future knives.
 
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