Best way to restore mirror finish to Kukri

blue lander

blue lander

Joined
Aug 16, 2011
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Last week I bought my very first "real" kukri, the 18 inch Vojpuri Knife by Rajkumar. I could immediately tell the difference between it and an Indian "kukri" from the moment I held it in my hand. I used it this weekend to chop up some fallen trees in my parent's back yard. It chewed through them with ease, but I've decided this knife is just too beautiful to be used. I've ordered a KVLUK for actual use, so I'd like to restore the Vojpuri to its mirror finish so I can display it. The blade isn't damaged in any way, it's just scraped up a bit. Is there a preferred way for buffing these kinds of superficial scrapes out?

I've already picked out a good place to display it. This guy seems to have a thing for severed heads, so I'm sure he'll appreciate it.
IMG_00000290_zps8fdc9029.jpg
 
I would start with the least abrasive method and then get more aggressive only if needed.
Flitz works well with 0000 steel wool.
 
Closest thing i have found (hand polishing) is 3M 3000 grit sanding pads. Auto parts stores usually have them. Clean blade with alcohol (or whatever you prefer) first to remove sap etc. I keep two pads old and new. Start out with old pad first to remove scratches. If they are not coming off then i use new pad to remove them. If scratches are still present use fine sandpaper (2000,1500) and work your way down to coarser until all scratches are removed. Like Jens said use finer stuff first and work to coarser until scratches are removed. After scratches are removed go back up to the finer papers 1200 1500 2000...new pad, old pad etc. Those pads will leave a satin finish at first but if you keep rubbing the same spot it will eventually polish out to almost original condition.
Someone mentioned buffing wheel dangers when polishing in previous link. Absolutely know what you are doing before you put a blade on a buffer or belt sander even. You DO NOT want to snag an open cho with a ragwheel in front of a two horsepower motor:barf:
 
I'm going to try my best to do by hand, this thing is dangerous enough as it is without adding power tools to the mix. It's only had one day's use so hopefully the 3000 grit will do the trick.
 
I'd even start with polish first before the 3000 even. Flitz or Simichrome, even car wax. Get it super clean and shiny as possible and then figure out if you need to get more aggressive.
 
I have some green stropping compound, and I think I have some jewler's rouge. I'll try those two before I move to anything courser. Unfortunately I scraped the sides of the blade more than I initially thought from trying different chopping angles. This thing is so much fun and effortless to swing it's easy to get a little carried away. The scratches are big but they aren't deep, so I'm confident a little elbow grease will buff them out.
 
Yes absolutely Bawanna I agree. I always have scratches because where I live is all sand. Like living on the beach. Might not need anymore than polish! I have not used Flitz or semichrome but have used Neverdull on many a motorcycle wheels and chrome and it works fabulously.
Bawanna said:
I'd even start with polish first before the 3000 even. Flitz or Simichrome, even car wax. Get it super clean and shiny as possible and then figure out if you need to get more aggressive.
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I have brought back some very used HI kukris to looking from the mail fresh.

After sharpening I'll sand out any gouges or dents with sandpaper. 320, 400, 600 then 1500.

Step 1 hard cotton buffing wheel with black tripoli
Step 2 medium denim buffing wheel with white tripoli
Step 3 soft cotton wheel with red rouge
Step 4 polish with quality polish like simichrome or Weanol.

I polish horn to perfection with the same process minus step 4

And yes I have many, many years using a buffing wheel and motor. They can be dangerous.
 
blue lander said:
Last week I bought my very first "real" kukri, the 18 inch Vojpuri Knife by Rajkumar. I could immediately tell the difference between it and an Indian "kukri" from the moment I held it in my hand. I used it this weekend to chop up some fallen trees in my parent's back yard. It chewed through them with ease, but I've decided this knife is just too beautiful to be used. I've ordered a KVLUK for actual use, so I'd like to restore the Vojpuri to its mirror finish so I can display it. The blade isn't damaged in any way, it's just scraped up a bit. Is there a preferred way for buffing these kinds of superficial scrapes out?

I've already picked out a good place to display it. This guy seems to have a thing for severed heads, so I'm sure he'll appreciate it.
IMG_00000290_zps8fdc9029.jpg
Click to expand...
What is the point if you are not going to use it? Why not just buy a picture of a khuk and hang it on the wall? A display khuk is like a caged tiger. You can see its ferocity but it is caged in the home. These knives have spirits of their own. Some seek the woods, some are thirsty for battle. Regardless what model you may have, they all have a wanderlust and an untamed character about them. It is like having a pet leopard or bear by your side. They are respected because of the power they possess, but they are cherished because of the companionship they provide.
 
Derek the Destroyer said:
What is the point if you are not going to use it? Why not just buy a picture of a khuk and hang it on the wall? A display khuk is like a caged tiger. You can see its ferocity but it is caged in the home. These knives have spirits of their own. Some seek the woods, some are thirsty for battle. Regardless what model you may have, they all have a wanderlust and an untamed character about them. It is like having a pet leopard or bear by your side. They are respected because of the power they possess, but they are cherished because of the companionship they provide.
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If a burglar murder arsonist enters Blue Lander's house then Blue will coincidently grab the Kukri and tell the police I didn't even know it was sharp I thought its just a showpiece to hang on a wall ;)
 
Because holding and looking at this thing makes me very happy, but seeing it scuffed up makes me sad. I suppose I will continue to use it as long as I know I can buff it back to it's original shine, because using it made me pretty damn happy too.
 
Each time you divide your lust it hurts less and less to scratch them. What im saying is buy more Khukuris:D
blue lander said:
Because holding and looking at this thing makes me very happy, but seeing it scuffed up makes me sad. I suppose I will continue to use it as long as I know I can buff it back to it's original shine, because using it made me pretty damn happy too.
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I've already bought two in as so many weeks, so I'm definitely working on it! I need to figure out how to get rid of the Windlass kukri's I bought previously before I get more. I'll probably take them on a one way trip to the dump.
 
blue lander said:
Because holding and looking at this thing makes me very happy, but seeing it scuffed up makes me sad. I suppose I will continue to use it as long as I know I can buff it back to it's original shine, because using it made me pretty damn happy too.
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Sounds like you need a smaller kukri. Maybe find a pretty little one you could hang on a charm bracelet?:D
All kidding aside, I would try flitz or Mother's Mag polish first, then step up to high grit sandpaper if needed.
 
Since you have already used this one, just buy another pretty kukri to keep shiny and admire, then you won't have to feel bad about continuing to use this one.
 
That's a good idea too, I'm always up for buying new knives. But I think I'm already attached to this one. Normally I don't buy knives just to hang on a wall, everything I buy I intend to use. I only have one other knife that I keep pristine, and that's a bone handled Buck 119 that only gets used during lunar new year celebrations. For the rest, other than keeping them oiled, clean and sharpened I don't mind beating them up. If they get dinged or scraped it jusy adds character, like a nice patina. I had every intention of using this kukri when I bought it too, but I just like it too much I guess.
 
Not a thing wrong with wanting to keep it pretty either. Can't fault ya none at all there.

Everyone of these deserves a place of honor hanging in a prominent place. Sure they can be grabbed and put to use they are all work horses also but they are also so gosh darn pretty they deserve that special place.
 
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