Well,you are making sense,but the question isn't clear.
Assuming you have read up on this field (several books at least),and learned form another smith in your area (highly advised),then there are some basic steps to consider.
1) start at the coarsest grit you NEED to grind out the marks in the steel.If you are forging and the surface is pretty rough,50 grit.If it is stock removal,50 or 80 grit depending on how much you are trying to remove. From there it is a good rule to double the grit each change.50,100,200,400,etc.or 60,120,220,400,etc. Exact doubling is not the idea,but there is no advantage to using every grit there is 40,60,80,100,120,etc. (unless you are selling sandpaper).
2) Planning will avoid half the problems you encounter (not trying to rush things will avoid most of the rest).Draw out the knife on paper -just a bad sketch is OK.Write down the steps you will take to make the knife - all of them! Make a list of all the materials and,tools,supplies,and other things you will need to complete the project. Mentally go through the whole making of the knife -how you are going to shape it (and in what order)- what to forge and what to grind (if forging) - when to do the HT and temper - Finishing and decoration.
3) Do as much as you can before HT ,and make sure you have done all that NEEDS to be done before it is hardened! Drilling tang holes in hard steel is mot the way to enjoy knife making! Don't grind all the metal away from the blade edge area.Leave some to remove after HT.There is a layer of decarb called the "rind" left on the steel after HT.You have to grind it off to get to the good steel under it.About 1/16" thick on the edge is a good place to stop before HT.
4) After HT - GO SLOW - grind bare handed,and dunk the blade in a bucket of water when it gets too hot to be comfortable.You can ruin the temper in one second flat by trying to rush the finishing of the blade.
5) THINK SAFETY - Understand what your tool are supposed to do and what they aren't.Don't force a tool do do what it isn't designed to.Remember - when you have to push hard on something,it isn't being done with the right tool! Buffing is the most dangerous,be very careful.
6) Purchase good materials from good suppliers.If a person makes his living selling knife supplies,he probably knows which are good and which aren't.Salvaged steel and handle material are fun when you are experienced,but best avoided when learning.
Stacy
