How to get the tang knife handle a mirror finsh and not burn the micarta

[slip23us]

Im working on a tang knife. Micarta hangle worked my way up from 220,400,600,800,1000 how do i get the metal handle material mirror andnot burn the micarta. I tried a green roush did work to well, im stuck. I need some help. The blade is mirror polished too:help::help:

 

[mike nelson]

hand sand it with micro mesh pads to 10,000 then buff with a soft cotton rag

 

[watercrawl]

My only experience is with black linen micarta...I don't know if it would matter, but just to make sure.

I sand with the belt grinder up to 600 grit, then use Scotch Brite belts up to the Ultra Fine (or whatever the finest one is) and then use a wool felt belt on the grinder with white rouge. As best I want, it's mirror polished. Oh...try to go lengthwise as much as possible....for some reason it matters when I do it. Cross will work too, just seems to take more work.

 

[David Sharp]

You should only spend a couple of minutes at the buffer. It sounds like you are trying to buff out major scratches?

I have 0 issue with burning Micarta on my polished knives using the following. On the tang and spine I go out to at least 15 micron around 1000 grit and then buff with green and then pink scratch-less. Tru-Grit in Ontario is carrying some new felt backed film belts in 1200 and 2000. I used these on my last batch; worked unbelievably well.

I don't want to contradict Adam. I have had issue with Scotchbrite and Micarta burning. I also spend less time on the buffer buffing across the tang instead of with(in line).

3 Loveless pattern tangs

 

[Hankins]

Use fresh belts thats it Dull belts = burnt Micarta
Take it to a Min of 2000 grit hit it with White then scratchless Pink and handrub with a Microfiber cloth to get all the buffing compound off.
Start with a Black Marker on the steel between ea grit. Keep the Maker OFF the micarta.
There are no shortcuts for a decent Mirror polish. Have seen many Professional Makers try to Green Chrome over a 60grit scratch. What you get is a Shiny 60grit scratch easy to spot

 

[jonnymac44]

Yep, David's got it figured out:thumbup:

You should only spend a couple of minutes at the buffer. It sounds like you are trying to buff out major scratches?

I have 0 issue with burning Micarta on my polished knives using the following. On the tang and spine I go out to at least 15 micron around 1000 grit and then buff with green and then pink scratch-less. Tru-Grit in Ontario is carrying some new felt backed film belts in 1200 and 2000. I used these on my last batch; worked unbelievably well.

I don't want to contradict Adam. I have had issue with Scotchbrite and Micarta burning. I also spend less time on the buffer buffing across the tang instead of with(in line).

3 Loveless pattern tangs

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Fresh belts
Slower Speed
Go to the finest grit belt you have
Hand sand to at least 2500 ( 8-10K is better)
Buff lightly with matchless white ( buffer speed no more than 1750 RPM)

 

[watercrawl]

I don't want to contradict Adam.

By all means, please do. With work like that, I'm going to try your method.

It's always fun to hear how different methods work for different people.