Can you sandpaper

[tradhunter]

Hey guys I am new to knifemaking and have a question.

Do most guys bead blast to finish, or can you get the same end result with some good sand papers and elbow grease. Looking to keep the costs of new equipment down where I can.

 

[Patrickknives]

Most knives are hand sanded, bead blasting is a finish that is used and you see it alot in tactical knives. It just depends on what you want. To get started go to an automotive supply and buy 220 and 320 grit wet dry, that will remove alot of material and give you a nice finish. You can always go crazy to 2000 if you want. Might do a search for hand rubbed. Here is a google link you an use to search the forum.

good luck

http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=011197018607028182644%3Aqfobr3dlcra

 

[Phillip Dobson]

I think you'll find that most people prefer hand-sanded finishes to bead-blasting. Hand sanding is much more labor-intensive and doesn't hide flaws like bead-blast finishes. It allows you to show off your skill and attention to detail. A fine satin finish is also less corrosion prone than a bead-blast.