Hand sanding: Do you go back and forth with the paper OR all just one direction?

[MTHall720]

I am getting mixed results. I use a sanding block, and sometimes just using the paper holding it in my hand or wrapped around an eraser.
Big question for me is whether to rub back and forth, or to just rub one direction only to reduce chances of scratching. I start with 600 grit and finsh with 2500 - 3000.

All ideas much appreciated.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Ideally, I think it's best to go in one linear direction. Back & forth strokes, even if done on a relatively narrow line, always seem to leave some irregular grind marks on the steel. Much easier to keep the pressure uniform, and the grind lines straighter, if moving in only one direction on each pass.

But, during the initial coarse grinding, I'll sometimes go back & forth, if removing a lot of metal is the objective. As I progress through the grits though, I'll make an effort to go in only one direction (such as spine-to-edge or heel-to-tip; usually alternate it from one grit to the next). Even at the coarsest grit, the last few passes will usually be done this way, just to even up the grind pattern before moving to the next grit.

 

[MTHall720]

Thanks very much my friend. I tend to be fairly meticulous in wanting the best possible results.
I will try going one direction only now.

 

[Doogoon]

It's best to cross the direction of the machining marks until they are gone. What I do once I'm rid of the machining marks is I go spine to edge (back and forth just to be clear, no sense in lifting the blade off the paper to make another pass) until I'm satisfied. When I go to the next grit I go heel to tip (again, back and forth) until just about all the scratches from the last grit are gone. (you can tell when there aren't any scratched going spine to blade) Once they're about all gone, I continue with the same grit from spine to blade until all the heel to tip scratches are gone. Once they are all gone, I move on to the next grit.

I had to be picky as I've only done this on S30V steel so far. I'm not sure you'll have to be so anal with softer steels.