Finish to fine?

Thinking about this some more today I realized one more point, that Nick also touched on. No matter how good I get with the buffer, bringing out that mirror shine takes off the sharp edges. There's no getting around it. I'm way better at it than I used to be, which gives me some hope maybe I'll be able to improve on it some more, but in the end if you want that nice crisp look you have to get it by rubbing it out.

But returning to the "rough" finish part of this thread. I've always worked on the assumption that the finer the finish the harder it will be for rust to form. The deep scratches, even divots from bead blasting, can give moisture a harbor and lead to greater maintenance requirements. While this would be less an issue with stainless steels it's still something of an issue as there is no true "rust proof" steel. I use O1 mostly, and that stuff will rust if you just look at it mean.

So you folks that do use a more robust finish - that hasn't been a problem? This seems potentially a much greater issue than whether the finish might scratch...

Dave
 
Dave
I've made a handful of O1 blades with coarse (compared to your stuff) finishes on them. It seems that as long as you can keep them wiped down regularly they aren't a problem. One of my EDC's is finished to 320 and its got a little bit of a patina going with heavy discoloration around the thumbstud. No serious rust though (except for the time I tried to carry it baling hay, it didn't like being soaked in sweat for 12 hours :) )

Dale
I don't think they were trying to say anything negative about your work. I think its more an issue of telling you that your working harder than you need to. But you have to be happy with your work before anyone else does, so as long as your like doing the high finish you should keep it up.
 
Originally posted by Dale Baxter
I was talking with other makers at the Spirit of steel show and I was told that my finishes were to fine?
Click to expand...

OK now it's a big name maker :( :D follow or find your own,
but never stop learning and trying, and do what works for you
and your customer...:)
 
Dale,
I'll help you out just this one time, when I come up this weekend I'll take all your paper and stones above 600x so you won't have to worry yourself over these big issues. :D
 
Originally posted by ddavelarsen

I use O1 mostly, and that stuff will rust if you just look at it mean.

So you folks that do use a more robust finish - that hasn't been a problem? This seems potentially a much greater issue than whether the finish might scratch...

Dave
Click to expand...


Dave, one of my shop knives is a straight edge I made over 20 years ago. It is O1, and has a 600 grit handrubbed finish.
I never oil it, and the only time it gets wiped down is if I get adhesive on the blade from cutting tape etc., and I just use lighter fluid, or occasionally WD40 to get it off.

It hasn't rusted yet. :D
 
Danbo,
After a long search, I finally found one just for you :)
Coral, colored titanium, and 2000 grit finish :D
 

Attachments

  • coraldaggerforbf2.jpg
    coraldaggerforbf2.jpg
    18.5 KB · Views: 39
Kit, that one doesn't bend in the middle :p Very cool dagger!

Mike, I either need to move to your climate, or find who made that O1 you have. Here in Washington, you don't even have to look at it mean like Dave does...just look at it sideways or cross-eyed and it's rusting all over! That's why I'm going to it for my plum (rust) browned fittings.

I love it for a cutter though, it takes a whicked edge and has the right alloy to keep it for some time.

Sorry for hi-jacking the thread here...
Nick
 
Each knife style has its own finish. It is up to the consumer as to what kind of use or abuse he will put his new knife through. I tend to remove any visible scratch and hot blue it. Not a very practical finish for a user knife. Believe it or not I have made some users and they got a hand rubbed satin finish up to 2000 and back down to 1500 or 2000 and lightly buffed. Ive never gotten the perfect mirror because of all that is involved and the fact that it washes away the crisp lines. I have however done a satin finish on the flats and a mirror on the hollows.

If you want to make money at this just leave a machine finish on it and sell it for less. Sell 3 or 4 knives a day at only $100 each.

Our reputation is riding on how the knife looks and performs. Thats why we spend a full day or two on the finish. Thats also why we arnt rich.
 
Now I have seen 320 finishes on $1000 knives.
At the same show I was told that customers buy a knife simply because of the name on it and it is my knives that customers will buy, not my name.
This tells me that I have to offer better finishes and clean lines.
This is the price of the lonely Journeyman...I guess?

Bruce, I seen your Dagger up close, one word...Damn!

Dale Baxter
www.baxterknives.com
 
Dale
I've seen it up, close in my hand and watched Bruce take it apart
at the Blade show and double damn it is a nice peice of art.:D :D
 
Sell 3 or 4 knives a day at only $100 each.
Click to expand...

Dang Bruce, that sounds like a job! :D

I'll stick with you and make what feels right and damn the money.

Well, the money would be okay too. :D

Dave
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top