First Knife Almost Finished Advice/Comments Needed

CDHumiston

CDHumiston

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Feb 17, 2009
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I have almost finished my first knife. It has taken longer than expected due to waiting to grind out more blades before mailing off for heat treating. The heat treating was completed last week and the final edge was done as well.

I am attaching a couple photos of my current progress for comments. I also have a question. As you can see I have almost got the entire blade to a mirror finish, however I can not figure out how to get the scratches out near the plunge line. The blade is 440C.

I would like to thank everyone who answered my question on grinding the final edge. This thing is seriously sharp. Using advice given here and about 15 minutes at the grinder and a few more minutes on the paper wheels.
 
Looking good Chris :thumbup:, I can't really help you with the scratches, but any idea on the handle material you will be using?
 
hwpaintballer said:
Looking good Chris :thumbup:, I can't really help you with the scratches, but any idea on the handle material you will be using?
Click to expand...

The handle material is going to be Madrone. It's supposed to be a nice strong hard wood. This knife is going to be a Christmas present for my Step-Father. He collects knives, but I doubt it will ever see much use. I'm guessing he'll display it.

Here is a picture.
 
To get those scratches near the plunge-line out, you can do it by hand on a super-fine waterstone.
 
Hate to tell you this but those scratches are most likely missed previous grits. You'll have to go back to whatever size the scratches are and start from there to remove them.
Here are a few tips:
If you have a cork belt with rouge on it you can usually remove them on your grinder.

If you have a rotary tool you can usually use some bullet point cratex to get them out.

Using sandpaper wrapped around a round file or rod slightly smaller than the plunge radius will DEFINATELY remove them.

I usually mark the blade with a sharpie or dykem when grinding up through the various grits and use a magnifying visor to examine the blade carefullly to ensure all scratches are gone before moving to the next grit. Moving the blade around in a variety of lighting will also help find scratches.
 
Will Leavitt said:
Hate to tell you this but those scratches are most likely missed previous grits. You'll have to go back to whatever size the scratches are and start from there to remove them.
Click to expand...

This comment was right on, I thought that may be the case but didn't want to admit it to myself. Lesson learned...Thanks for the Tips.

I found some useful bits for my Dremel and was able to remove the scratches. It took som time, but at least I don't have to go back to the grinder.

I finished gluing up the scales and hope to get them profiled tomorrow. Then I will get back to the blade polishing. I'll post some pictures when I'm done.
 
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