How to get deep scratches out of a blade

[Vanguard41xx]

Hey guys. I have this Case jack I really like, but can't get past the nasty scratches in the blades. It looks like it had a coarse file taken to it at one point. Anything I can do to get most of them out, but without making the blade shine?

 

[stoffi]

Start with low grit, move on to higher ones as you progress. Keep polishing in one direction and then in another direction on the next grit, so as to see when you have passed the old lines with the new ones. It's a lot of work though.

 

[fast14riot]

I would start with red compound on a loose wheel, start parallel to the scratches. Compounds go from coarse to fine from black to white. I wouldn't suggest black, it can actually remove lots of metal. If using hand sanding try a white eraser as a sanding block, soft enough to follow contours which will round out contours like scratches.


-Xander

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

First I'll say, that's a nice old knife you have there (1940 - '64 vintage, looks like?). I really like these old Case knives. :thumbup:

If it were me, I'd use a rubber eraser (drafting/art type) with some wet/dry sandpaper wrapped around it. Start with something like 400-600 grit. That will leave a satin finish. Take slow, deliberate passes from spine to edge, to keep the sanding scratches linear and uniform. I'd start with the smaller blade first, as the grind will make this somewhat easier I think. Should see the results quicker, on your first try at this. Take your time, don't try to rush it. It'll take a while to get all the original scratches out, but that's OK. The results will be worth it.

 

[Vanguard41xx]

Thank you guys. I finished it yesterday, and I got 90% of the scratches out. What is left is barely noticeable. The only bad thing is the patina is gone.