Edge Polishing

B

bps162

Joined
Aug 28, 2007
Messages
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Ive had a problem in the past polishing the edge on some of my blades. The problem is with coated or etched blades. How do you guys polish your edges on an etched or coated blade without damaging the finish? Ive been establishing the bevel (convex edge up to 1000 grit dpending on the type of blade) then using a buffer with green or pink compound to polish the edge. This works great on the edge, but if the blade or powder coated, or worse patina or acid etch, the buffer will damage the coat or polish away some of the etch above the edge. Thanks for any help! Ray
 
If you are worried about the finish on the blade I would probably stay away from machines. I would say establish your edge with sandpaper mounted on a surface plate up to the highest grit you want or with stones then polish the edge on a strop. you will have much better control doing it by hand.
 
i4Marc said:
If you are worried about the finish on the blade I would probably stay away from machines. I would say establish your edge with sandpaper mounted on a surface plate up to the highest grit you want or with stones then polish the edge on a strop. you will have much better control doing it by hand.
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+1 The buffer is the wrong tool Imo. To get a fantastic edge, you need patience more than anything. As Marc said above, get it nicely beveled on stones or paper then on to the strop. I've had some luck putting an obtuse edge on a thick knife using the belt grinder, but my best edges come from manually applying them.

If you suck at doing the edge by hand (you really should invest the time in learning), get yourself an Edge Pro, Wicked Edge, or if you're on a budget, the Edge Pro clone. If you do go the route of the clone you'll need to re-figure the hash marks for correct angles and you'll want to buy real EP stones.
 
I am probably wrong, but I am by no means a professional and I still have much to learn. But i find when I sharpen my knives on a worksharp (1/2 x 12 belts) that if i take it up to 6000 grit, it puts a very nice sharp but shiny finish on the edge. It may not be as great as a diamond sharpener or stones, but it what I got so I cant complain.
 
There is a solution to this......mask the blade bevel.


Using a heavy masking tape, run it along the edge spaced exactly where you want the polish to be. It doesn't hurt to put down a second layer. Now you can safely sharpen, sand, and polish the edge without damaging the bevel finish. When done, peel it off and wipe down the blade with acetone followed by light oil.....done! ( Don't use acetone on any blade with a soluble coating)
 
bladsmth said:
There is a solution to this......mask the blade bevel.


Using a heavy masking tape, run it along the edge spaced exactly where you want the polish to be. It doesn't hurt to put down a second layer. Now you can safely sharpen, sand, and polish the edge without damaging the bevel finish. When done, peel it off and wipe down the blade with acetone followed by light oil.....done! ( Don't use acetone on any blade with a soluble coating)
Click to expand...

What he said
 
Free hand...practice till you dream about it. This is an art that will never be mastered but with the right type of tools and patience you will produce great results. Stones and stropes, slow an steady wins this race.
 
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