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Colored liners - darkening from buffing

L

Larry Hostetler

Joined
Oct 20, 2005
Messages
23
:confused: Newbee with questions, imagine that. I did a little searching before a general posting of a question. Here goes - Everything was going well with other knives, until I tried to use a red liner to give a handle some color. The handle material is cocobolo. I did a finish buffing and saw the liner was turning dark. I first thought the compound is the problem, then maybe I got the liner to hot during buffing. What are other ways to finish a liner/handle material without staining it? This may also be the same as finishing bone without staining it??? PS I see why its not done a lot as its like juggling covered in epoxy.:eek:
 
I have formica liners where the backing turns black during buffing, but the colour still shows. It might just be some buffing compound on the liners. Just use some methelated spirits/ rubbing alcohol. Give it a wipe the colour should come back.
 
The simple solution is to not buff. Handsand from 320 up to 2500 grit and about 30 seconds on the buffer with pink no scratch compound and you will get a great finish without discoloring anything. It will also make the lines between bolsters and blade almost invisible. The knife pictured below did not touch the buffer at all.
 

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I echo Michael on this one. I very seldom ever use a buffer. There is nothing that turns me off more than an over-buffed knife.
 
Guys thanks for the help. It appears more elbow grease less mechanical buffing. As always I learned something and and was entertained - although the mental picture may haunt me.:D
 
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