Hand Sanding Tips

colu41

colu41

Joined
Dec 24, 2014
Messages
1,598
I'm working on a big chopper right now for a guy who wanted an exposed tang for a lanyard hole. I finished sanding the blade to 600 grit. (pre heat treat) Probably going to take it up to 800 after heat treat. But Im hand sanding the tang now. At what grit do you start losing that grit line appearance? Or is that only achieved through a mirror polish? I dont want a mirror polish, just looking at how I can get a decent satin finish with no grit lines. Is this possible?
I have a buffer but only have white (1200) grit compound. Any tips would be nice.
This is just something I'd like to try. If anything I will just match the tang grit lines with the blade.
 
I think that could be a problem too. I dont wipe it as often as I could. I just add more oil lol.. I'll go up to 2000 tmrw and see how it looks. I've only went up to 1200 grit before on a blade so. This may be something I like.
 
"Satin finish" is fine grit lines.
You may not be able to distinguish them as such, but the sanding lines don't go away without further removal like buffing.
If you could get a really nice 1200-1500 grit finish you might consider following that with one of the many abrasive belt used for just this purpose like Scotch Brite.
But if you are seeing lots and lots of lines, then you simply aren't done sanding yet.
 
I just finished my first attempt at a sat I. Finish today. Its tough to do I think.

Finish sand in one direction only, no back and forth, and try Windex as the cutting fluid. My first results show I need a lot more practice.
 
Hi Guys,

Very interested in this as well. Since I am new to hand rubbing, does anyone know how to do it on a hollow grind? I can do it on a flat grind easily, but the contour for the hollow is not working for my sanding blocks.
 
Pittknife said:
Hi Guys,

Very interested in this as well. Since I am new to hand rubbing, does anyone know how to do it on a hollow grind? I can do it on a flat grind easily, but the contour for the hollow is not working for my sanding blocks.
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A good hollow grind looks great by itself with a fine grit belt! But, the only the way I could think of is using a very soft, thick, & flexible sanding block pad with the paper to get into the contours. (Like a marshmallow!! :p)Even then I'm not too sure.
 
ron_m80 said:
I just finished my first attempt at a sat I. Finish today. Its tough to do I think.

Finish sand in one direction only, no back and forth, and try Windex as the cutting fluid. My first results show I need a lot more practice.
Click to expand...

It's not too easy getting all the light swirls and what not out. Especially from the previous grit, you'll get those small swirls from the back and forth sanding. It does take practice but it yields a real nice finish.
 
Maelstrom78 said:
Clean the blade between grits. You might have have larger grit in the from previous grits.
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I do clean between grits for sure. I just need to get into the habit of whiping it after each piece of paper..... Most times I just add more oil and go lol.
 
I bead blasted a few and got a good satin finish without lines. You will always have lines unless you sand it high enough and buff it out.
 
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Rhinoknives1 said:
Suggestion for you, As far as tangs go I leave them at 80-120 Grit and do likewise with the inside of the scales so the Liner, Scales exopy can hang tight to together:)
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Oh for sure. But the customer for this knife wanted an exposed butt end of the tang with a lanyard hole. So I just wanted to clean the end up a bit that will be showing.
 
Look on YouTube for Nick Wheeler's "hand sanding 101" video. It'll change your life! He talks about all the issues you are having trouble with
 
A.McPherson said:
Look on YouTube for Nick Wheeler's "hand sanding 101" video. It'll change your life! He talks about all the issues you are having trouble with
Click to expand...

Ive grazed his videos before but, I'll have to sit down and watch them all with full attention :) He does have some great vids.
 
Pittknife said:
Hi Guys,

Very interested in this as well. Since I am new to hand rubbing, does anyone know how to do it on a hollow grind? I can do it on a flat grind easily, but the contour for the hollow is not working for my sanding blocks.
Click to expand...


Buy or make a sanding block with a corresponding radius and sand just as you would a FG blade. I hand sand my straight hollow razors and it works just fine.

sandingjig_zpshe4aywf4.jpg
 
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The lines will never go away until you go to mirror finish, or bead blast/stone wash, in which case you need to go pretty fine anyway. The satin production knives you see with that perfect matte finish are media-blasted.

Personally, I don't really like what I would consider the in-between grits, 800, 1200, 1500. I like the nice brushed look of 600 or 400, or full polish.
 
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