Buffing out scratches

[inistis]

I am using a new sharpener today and in the process I put some minor scratches on the blade of my Delica 4. Is there some way I could buff them out by hand with say a shop rag or minor abrasive pad or would it take some sort of grinding wheel?

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Posting some clear pics of the scratches would likely generate more useful feedback. Most scratches can't be buffed out by hand, unless they're extremely light. Otherwise, some sanding or other more aggressive abrasive work might be needed to clean them up. On that point, what sharpener were you using, and at what grit?

The 'fix' for the scratches will likely need to start fairly close to, but slightly finer than, the grit used to make the scratches in the first place. If the scratches were made at fairly coarse grit, a sanding sequence using wet/dry sandpaper, from slightly less-coarse, to medium, to fine and EF and polishing might be needed to clean them up effectively. It's very difficult to remove deep, coarse scratches with only fine sanding or polishing alone; would take a very, very long time. The easier alternative, obviously, is just to go ahead and use the knife, and live with the added 'character' of the scratches.


David

 

[RevDevil]

I'd guess Edge Pro, and a lack of tape on the blade with a combination of too much water on the stones created a slurry that scratched the blade. Am I right?

 

[salmonkiller]

1500 or 2000 grit wet dry sandpaper and use semi-soapy water.Similar process to auto body.I buff all my pocket clips and have restored scratched blades(uncoated)this way.If you have visible grind lines then sand with the grinds like you would sand wood with the grain.

link to another thread on this topichttp://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1066451-Polishing-Stainless-Steel-Scratches

 

[Jason B.]

Spyderco's are pretty simple to refinish though you will likely loose the logo. Use wet/dry sandpaper around 320 grit with WD-40 on a flat surface, grind in one direction until the scratches are removed and you have a even finish on both sides. Follow with a quick polish on 1000 grit then 2000 grit for that factory shine.

Note: you may need to adjust the low end grit to properly match the factory finish.