Hand Rubbed Satin Finish Questions

childzplay

childzplay

Joined
Jun 13, 2006
Messages
202
Hey Guys,

Is it possible to get the lines out of a hand rubbed satin finish? I've seen some knives with a satin finish that don't seem to show lines, is that possible by hand?

If it's not possible, how do you get relatively perfect lines on a hollow ground bevel?

When I hand rubbed the finish, is there any way to keep the bevel lines crisp? It seems like I've dulled them somewhat.
 
You have to have a sanding block that matches the radius of your grinding wheel.

Smooth, long, steady pulls with your body (not your arms).

Also, the block has to be rigid. Many folks are quick to use a padded sanding block. If you do this, you WILL wash out your grind lines.

The only time I use a padded sanding block (no matter whether it's flat or hollow ground) is on the very final passes. And even that is a quite rigid material.... a 3M automotive supply rubber. The brick red gasket material in the plumbing department at Home Depot also works GREAT (thanks John White! :) ).
 
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Well, there is an easy way to overcome the streaks and fish hooks. Get yourself some Mobile 1 oil . Place some on the blade side you are doing and sand back and forth with a block that is in the shape of your blade. No need to try and pull those even strokes or having very clean sand paper exposed. Try it, you will like it ! frank
 
Hmmm... I've NEVER seen a blade sanded that way that was clean... but if it works for you Frank... good deal. :)
 
I also like using some oil as lubricant (in my case, a few drops of tapping fluid). I do my finishing strokes like Nick, though.
 
I just looked at my post again and it seems snide towards Frank.... NOT my intention. I just have honestly never seen a blade finished with back and forth strokes that was as clean as one done with straight pulls.

I've seen some of Frank's fantastic folders, but they were blued damascus so they don't count! ;) :)
 
Frank Niro said:
Well, there is an easy way to overcome the streaks and fish hooks. Get yourself some Mobile 1 oil . Place some on the blade side you are doing and sand back and forth with a block that is in the shape of your blade. No need to try and pull those even strokes or having very clean sand paper exposed. Try it, you will like it ! frank
Click to expand...

Just plain Mobile 1 motor oil? Do you have a technique that goes along with the oil? This noob would sure like to hear about this. Thanks!
 
There is no tecknique on this. I jus tknew by the way that someone would pop in with well I've tried this and that but did you use Mobile 1 ? This oil keeps the grit floating, I think. Like I said spend a dollar or so and give it a try. I use it with 220 to usually 600 or 800., but 400 can look good too. An old yime Master Smith gave me this one. Frank
 
Nick, I could never get upset about a comment from you. I love what you give to the forums. I know this sounds weird after all the work some fellows say it takes and then some. Hey, gie me another month or two and I will have some blades up in that dealers site with that satin finish as was given to me when I was crying to that Master Smith about the mess I was into. Truth is like many turn arounds, I had helped him to solve a problem in making a linerlock. Regards. Frank
 
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