getting scratches out

[Billbo66]

I see that many manufacturers list a hand satin finish to 400 grit or so. I just scratched up a 154MC 4" blade being a doofus. Can I buff these out with 500 grit on a sanding block?

 

[lerner]

I think satin finishes are all done via sand/bead blasting.

Sanding can replace scratches with more uniform scratches though.
Look up "mirror finishing"; here's a start.
But I suppose mirror shiny knives just get scratched again after light use? <- can someone confirm?
I'm thinking of sanding mine to a moderate grit, instead of blasting out scratches. The main thing I've gathered is -
Only sand in one direction - No swirlies! They seem to never come out.

On the other hand, What equipment does it take to sandblast at home? Is there a place that will do it for me? This would greatly help me (and maybe Billbo).

 

[Ebbtide]

There are scratches and there are scratches.
How long is a 'piece' of string?

Learning to live with them can be a whole lot easier than trying to refinish a blade.
Here is a tutorial on hand sanding.
http://beknivessite2.homestead.com/handrubbing.html

Sand blasting removes a lot of material. I think bead blasting is a little more controlled.
Neither is a kitchen table operation

 

[knarfeng]

If you use a blade, it will get scratched. So unless it's a safe-queen, forget about it. It's now a used knife.

 

[CWL]

Well-used and cared-for knives look much better than brand-new and shiny.