glass-like scale finish

recoil

recoil

Joined
Jul 27, 2000
Messages
1,049
Hi Guys,

Just finished 2 sets of scales for my Elishewitz folder,
the set on the knife is buffalo horn and the scale on the left is maroon linen micarta, (the abolone is the original) the best I can get is a satin like shine.
What can I use, and is it possible to get these materials to look like glass?
mind you, all I have is a dremil tool.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=296957&a=10101771&p=53246126

Thanks for any assistance.

recoil
 
Howdy There...!
Looks like you did a great job on the scales. They are going to look great on that knife. You will be able to get a great glassy finish on the horn with not too much work, but the micarta will take a little work.
If all you have is a dremel, go to your local hobby shop or home supply and get four or five of the polishing wheel for your dremel. Also get a stick of the white polishing compound. The secret to polishing is to do alot of sanding first. The more sanding you do the less polishing you will have to do. Get your horn sanded down as far as you want to go, at least throught #320. The micarta will take more sanding to get it smooth before polishing. Take your polishing wheels and load it with compound and start buffing, just be careful not to get the horn too hot because it will burn, just take your time. Good luck...!

"Possum":D
 
*Edited. Someone else posted pretty much what I said a minute before I pushed the post button and I didn't know.
 
I wouldn't stop sanding 'til at least 600 grit, higher if possible. I've used up to 1600 grit which is virtually glass-like. Then use the buffing compound. :)
 
A very inexpensive way to do small polishing jobs with excellant results is to go to the figernail section of a store and get a three way buffer. They look like a three colored tongue depressor.Usually one side will be half black half white,other side grey.My ex was a nail-tech.The trick to remembering the correct sequence is "nite to day, and back to grey".You will be suprised at the results.best to do after 600 grit sanding.
Mark
 
Thanks to everyone for the polishing tips.
now I have my weekend project planned.
I'll let you all know how things progress.

thanks again-recoil
 
Well I'm happy to report that your advice and my sweat paid off! the buffalo horn grips now sport a mirror finish. The burgundy micarta still need alot more work to get the desired results.

BTW. does buffalo horn require any periodic maintenance other than my daily greasy handed fondling?

thanks again for the help.

recoil
 
after all the other good stuff the other makers have told you try some red jewlers rouge it really shins the horn..lots of luck
 
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