Finishing Ironwood Question

[alclark2]

I'm looking to finish an ironwood knife this weekend. This is my first time using this wood. I'm curious as to how you prefer to finish your ironwood. Pictures are always nice too! Thank you in advance.

(I've put TruOil on a few wood scaled projects and I'm not so sure it that is the right approach for this one. Its left a lot to be desired out of nicer material. I'm sure that's user error on my part most likely. Any pointers would be much appreciated.)

 

[Hengelo_77]

hand sand as high as you have. Use a set of micro mesh pads for a *whow*
It realy doesn't take that much time

 

[SBuzek]

Sand to a high grit (1500-2500) wax and buff with a soft cloth. Do not use power buffer.

 

[Hankins]

Wear a REALLY good mask with fine filters... The dust is toxic to some but a definite lung irritant and wear long sleeves. Ask me how I know this
It will finish mirror on it's own with a 1200-2000 grit and a Very light buff with Pink scratchless or White diamond rouge
You can hand buff as said Heavy buff and it will burn the wood

 

[Rhinoknives1]

Wear a REALLY good mask with fine filters... The dust is toxic to some but a definite lung irritant and wear long sleeves. Ask me how I know this
It will finish mirror on it's own with a 1200-2000 grit and a Very light buff with Pink scratchless or White diamond rouge
You can hand buff as said Heavy buff and it will burn the wood

This^^^ I got a sinus infection from working Ironwood many years ago. Use a good respirator and blow the dust outta your shop..

 

[john april]

1000 grit finish, lightly buff with white compound. its not shiny like its wet, but has a nice sheen.
dsc-0207_orig by john april, on Flickr

 

[A.McPherson]

john april
That's a damn good looking knife!

 

[Horsewright]

I use a lot of ironwood. I hand sand to 600 and then switch to the 3M polishing papers: 1200, 1800 and then 4000. Light buffing with pink scratchless. Then a couple coats of Mother's carnuba car wax.