Finally figured out how to get a mirror finish without a buffer or hand sanding

G

GaryPogueCustomKnife

Joined
Oct 8, 2013
Messages
188
Last night when i was grinding a blank, it occured to me. I had a 1500 grit sheet of sandpaper right next to the grinder (has a disc sander)
. I realized i had some spray adhesive and ran upstairs to grab it, some windex and some scissors. I cam back down, removed the worn disc, sprayed some adhesive and stuck the paper to it, cut off the excess, and walla, Mirror finish. Now i dont have to spend a decent chunk of money on a buffer. I am very happy with the results. Let me know if you wanna see some pics :) Now the finish is good on the knives to be taken pics of and sent to blade magazine (see my thread about that here http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1149282-I-am-going-to-be-in-Blade-Magazine )
 
Not to criticize, but for me 1500 isn't mirror polished. Still milky to quite a degree. It takes micronic polishing to get a true mirror polish. And that does take some elbow grease and a buffer.

And it's 'Voila' not 'walla.' I know you're young and probably haven't been exposed to the Frech language yet... ;)

Congrats on the Blade thing. I'm sure you will develop into a great maker if you keep on this path!

Cheers!
-Eric
 
LucyCustomKnives said:
Not to criticize, but for me 1500 isn't mirror polished.
Click to expand...

Nope, not even close.

I like a nice 1500 or 2000 grit finish, but calling it a mirror is like calling a Camaro a Ferrari because they're both kind of fast and have four wheels.
 
I realize that it isn't a perfect polish by far, but its pretty reflective. I charged the sandpaper with some compound and it looks almost twice as good as the windex wet sanding. Also I had no idea voila started with a v. I wish I knew more French/german but the only language class I can take is spanish...

Edit: 1500 grit is the highest grit I have, I would have higher but my local ace only has up to 1500. I'm sure I would have amazing results if I had higher grit
 
You might want to try using a cork belt. They do a nice job getting a finish.
 
GaryPogueCustomKnife said:
I realize that it isn't a perfect polish by far, but its pretty reflective. I charged the sandpaper with some compound and it looks almost twice as good as the windex wet sanding. Also I had no idea voila started with a v. I wish I knew more French/german but the only language class I can take is spanish...

Edit: 1500 grit is the highest grit I have, I would have higher but my local ace only has up to 1500. I'm sure I would have amazing results if I had higher grit
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If you don't want to order the 'good stuff'...: Go to the auto parts store. Polishing compound in any grit you want, plus should have paper up to 2500-3000 grit. And yes, a cork belt is great for polishing.
 
LucyCustomKnives said:
If you don't want to order the 'good stuff'...: Go to the auto parts store. Polishing compound in any grit you want, plus should have paper up to 2500-3000 grit. And yes, a cork belt is great for polishing.
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Bah Eric got to it before me. Auto parts store. Many mom&pop hardware places sell em by the sheet too. Hell, I think even HF has higher than 1500 (could be wrong). In any case, it should be easy to find. I believe Hobby Lobby sells the colored 3m films, but call them (if you have a local store) to make sure. Other hobby shops are a good bet as well.
 
I think several of you (you know who you are) have been a tad harsh on Mr. Pogue here.

C'mon for 99%+ of the world a 1500 grit finish is mirror polished. The 1% of us who know what a mirror finish really is are blessed with knowledge beyond that of mere mortals.

Gary made a discovery that thrilled him................. Tried to share it with us and got kicked around, Then he had his speling (sic) disparaged and pretty much got told he needs to work harder and spend more when sourcing his materials.

This thread is sad.................... at least he got some hints on how he can get closer to a REAL mirror finish. I think we're usually better then that here.

Strictly personal comment on this. FWIW The only tools I find a that NEED (and measurably benefit from) a "true" mirror finish are the woodworking chisels I use on joints. I can appreciate the tremendous effort that goes into a ripple-free mirrored finish on an expensive "collectable" knife but on the working knives I use it wood be silly to go that far.

Corey "synthesist" Gimbel
 
Gary, there is no need to ever mirror finish a blade unless it really appeals to you... hand rubbed and belt finishes are quite popular right now, and are easy enough with practice, to master. Mirror can be nice for fittings but on a user blade is too finicky in my opinion.

I'd recommend spending that buffer money on a portaband for cutting blades out, or a good drill press, or any of the other more "core" knifemaking tools you might not yet have.

It might not be glamorous, but you could spend that money on Rhynowet Redline sandpaper in 220, 400, and 600 grit at supergrit.com. I consider a good supply of good sandpaper more essential than a buffer, and it ends up being way less expensive and more effective than buying junk by the sheet from your hardware or auto parts store.

Just my $.02.
 
At age 15, I applaud you for your enthusiasm. Most young men your age can't get away from their cell phones or video games long enough to learn a viable skill.

Don't allow any negativity to stand in the way of your dreams. Only you can determine your future. You learn by experience and mistakes made along the way.

Now, if you were in a mind-set to listen to an old man's advice, I would offer the following:

#1........... Mirror Polished knives by veteran knifemakers are far and few between. You will find very few mirror polishes within the ABS members. You may find a few more within the Knifemaker's Guild, but its not in the majority. Mirror polishing looks all "Blinky" when you first look at it, however, to me, it is a distraction. (again, that is just an old man's observation)

#2.......... At your age, coughing up $75.00 for an annual "Knifemakers" membership may be perhaps difficult to do. I would encourage you to try every means available to become a paying member. Even though this web site may not seem quite "Perfect", it will expose your work world wide. A "Knife Maker's" membership will show the world that you are indeed a serious maker. Should you get to a point that you are confident enough that your blades will sell, then by being a paid member here, you have the opportunity to try and sell here.

I have a website that I have maintained for 8 or 9 years. Since I refuse to pay "Gargle" (Google) to put my site at or near the top of their search engines, I have had very few direct sales as a result of "Gargle" searches for "Custom Knives". My web site just doesn't come up in searches until you get tired of clicking. I bit the bullet here several years ago and upgraded my membership. I have sold many, many knives here because of that decision. I even thought at one time I was a special kid and on top of my game, because 12 minutes after posting one for sale......... It was SOLD. (Your mileage may vary)

Just an old man's "Food For Thought"............ You hang in there young man. If you fail, look in the mirror. The person looking back at you may have the answer why.......... (If you listen to him).

Robert
 
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Hmm... I'm struggling to think of what I use high grit paper for other than for sharpening, or handle material. I wouldn't even try a full mirror polish on a blade myself, because I know I can't do it without spending an unreal amount of time trying, but mostly because I don't care for the finish.

The paper still has its place in your arsenal for the above mentioned reasons. You can definitely get a mirror edge with stones, but it can be expensive. A popular edge finish (at least amongst the sharpening hobbyists) is to use a relatively low grit (400 or so), followed by a much higher grit. The idea is that it can provide some of the benefits of both (low grit tooth, high grit push cutting ability). I like this method myself.
 
synthesist said:
C'mon for 99%+ of the world a 1500 grit finish is mirror polished.
Click to expand...

If that's true, then 99% of the world is simply wrong. Take some 1500-grit paper to your bathroom mirror or a piece of chromed steel and see how you like the results. :)

I would advise any new maker to invest his or her time getting their grinds true and working up to a crisp, even 220 grit surface before ever worrying about higher grits or mirror polishes. Please see Nick Wheeler's excellent video on hand-sanding for more info:

[video=youtube;4I4x4QLpfnk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4I4x4QLpfnk[/video]

FWIW my personal preference is for a 2000-grit hand-rubbed finish. Most of my clients prefer a 400- or 600-grit hand finish, and many are perfectly happy with a 400-grit machine finish.
 
synthesist said:
I think several of you (you know who you are) have been a tad harsh on Mr. Pogue here.

C'mon for 99%+ of the world a 1500 grit finish is mirror polished. The 1% of us who know what a mirror finish really is are blessed with knowledge beyond that of mere mortals.

Gary made a discovery that thrilled him................. Tried to share it with us and got kicked around, Then he had his speling (sic) disparaged and pretty much got told he needs to work harder and spend more when sourcing his materials.

This thread is sad.................... at least he got some hints on how he can get closer to a REAL mirror finish. I think we're usually better then that here.

Strictly personal comment on this. FWIW The only tools I find a that NEED (and measurably benefit from) a "true" mirror finish are the woodworking chisels I use on joints. I can appreciate the tremendous effort that goes into a ripple-free mirrored finish on an expensive "collectable" knife but on the working knives I use it wood be silly to go that far.

Corey "synthesist" Gimbel
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I don't think anyone was being harsh, rude or otherwise. I certainly tried to word that in such a way that it DIDN'T sound that way. Now had I said 'Ah, you 15 year old twerp, 1500 ain't mirror!' That would be rude and harsh.

I made a point to commend him and his talents. And I think his willingness to work around a lack of equipment is certainly applaudable. I had to do quite a bit of that myself when I started building cars at 15. And still work around some today (no power hammer or press, no surface grinder, etc etc etc.) And sharing discoveries is a daily occurance here. I trust that Mr. Pogue here will be a maker to watch by starting out at 15 and showing talent as he does.

Remember you can't read tone, and always assume its meant in the positively critiquing sort of way, especially on THIS forum...

Cheers!
-Eric
 
If i were to get a true mirror without a buffer, what grit do you guys think i should go up to? And what brands of paper do you recommend? Right now I am using generic gator grit sandpaper by the sheet. I got the 3M kind before, seemed to tear very easily and only came with 200-800 grit sheets, so the finish is far greater than the 800. But as to Lucy, I have been at it for 2 years now and I get better with time. I am not saying you were rude or out of line but see it as some sort of constructive criticism.

Gary
 
Developing a sense of tone with how constructive criticism is given is critical in this forum. There are examples of makers that have taken advice and criticism (when they asked for it no less) on the chin and have gotten quite upset. The manner in which it is delivered is usually very blunt and I find it to be extremely useful because of this.

You have a good attitude Gary. Congrats on the Blade story! I'd wager that most makers wish that they'd started so young. Me included.

I wish I had some quality paper to send your way.
 
LucyCustomKnives said:
Not to criticize, but for me 1500 isn't mirror polished. Still milky to quite a degree. It takes micronic polishing to get a true mirror polish. And that does take some elbow grease and a buffer.

And it's 'Voila' not 'walla.' I know you're young and probably haven't been exposed to the Frech language yet... ;)

Congrats on the Blade thing. I'm sure you will develop into a great maker if you keep on this path!

Cheers!
-Eric
Click to expand...

Not many people at all have been exposed to the "Frech" language...;):D

Gary: Cool--I may need to try that. :thumbup:
 
I think if this conversation was carried out with every guy face to face, there wouldn't be any question that it's all in good nature. :)

I also think the fact this kid is 15 probably gets some of us feeling the need to be a bit more "nurturing" than if he were 30. Maybe not... Just say'n. ;) :)

Good on 'ya for starting out so young Gary. And that's most excellent that you'll have some work published!!! I started my first knife at 12, and I didn't get a knife photo published in BLADE until I was about 22.

Keep working hard, keep your eyes&mind open, and learn as much as you can. IMHO, this is an amazing craft to be a part of. :thumbup: :cool:



Now back to your OP... a TRUE mirror is pretty hard to get without a buffer. A really well done 1200X hand rubbed finish will be reflective... but if you're shooting for a full, deep, rich mirror finish- IMHO you need to hit the steel with green chrome compound on a buffer, followed by pink "no-scratch" compound.

You can approach that finish by hand sanding up to 2500, and then following up with 3M micropolishing cloth (I have it up to 8000 grit!) but it still isn't quite the same as a buffed blade.

All that aside... I personally prefer a hand rubbed finish. :)
 
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