Best finish for A2

H

Hunterarrow

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Feb 19, 2013
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A2 is pretty soft and if I polish it it's really easy to get scratched. I can see scratch marks from stropping for example. So I guess mirror polishing A2 isn't such a good idea?
What's your favorite ways to finish this steel? Please share. Thanks!
 
Hi Hunterarrow,
I have worked with A2 in the tool room for 30 years. Soft is based on how you hardened and tempered it. I like Rc 58/59 for a hardness.
Scratches and scoffs can happen to most any blade material based on how hard the Item that rubs against the blade.
If I am making a Hi Quality finish on A2 it will have tape on the bevels after polishing most all the time until it is done. I even sharpen it with the tape on.
When a customer uses it it will get a patina and be scratched eventualy.
If it is a show piece and kept clean and polished you will be able to see your face in the blade for a long time.
Please fill out your profile so we can understand what type of background you have.
Sincerely,
Dave
 
Hi Salem,
The Blue tape works the best for sharpening.
I use Clear packaging tape when I want to see the blade while working the handle. One type of packaging tape comes off perfectly clean. Other types can leave you a Gummy Mess.
Dave
 
David, I'm new to knifemaking so I'll be asking questions here whenever I come across a problem. Thanks for your help!
p.s. will work on my profile soon.
 
My latest 2 knives are A2 and I have not found it to be soft at all. I'm having problems sanding (pre-heat treat) this stuff its so hard. I have been using 1095 and 44C and no problems sanding (post heat treat) this stuff to a mirror shine but this A2 is giving me fits.
 
A2 makes a seriously good blade. Soft I would not call it by any means. All blades will scratch with use. Degree of hardness is obviously a big factor of how quick and much it will scratch.
 
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