How to restore mirror polish?

J

judge

Joined
Dec 20, 1999
Messages
584
Hello all,
I am a complete newbie when it comes to metalworking, and would like to hear your advice on restoring a slightly corroded and scratched mirror polish on a small blade (Fred Perrin Griffe, 1075 steel). I also have to polish fileworked parts on the spine and tang, handle scales are buffalo horn and g10 spacers.
I have a large as well as small buffing wheel. Which polishing materials/compounds (grit # etc) should I use to get a good result? Any special tips or things that I should (or shouldn´t) do? How do I best remove remains of polishing compounds stuck in the handle portion of the spine filework (I could imagine that to be a problem)?
This will be my first attempt at polishing, so please bear in mind my complete lack of experience. Thank you in advance for your tips.

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"Peace is not without conflict; it is the ability to cope with conflict" - Leo Giron
www.messerforum.net - the premier German language knife-related web board
 
Judge, be extremely careful if you use a buffer and even more so if the knife is sharp. Also, a buffer will eat buffalo horn like you won't believe. The best way to finish the knife without ruining the lines, handles, or your fingers would be hand sanding thru 1500 grit.
If you must buff, I like white rouge on a loose muslin wheel for carbon steels and handle materials. Only way to clean the residue off is with a tooth pick and some alcohol.

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Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!
http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!
 
Thanks a lot!

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"Peace is not without conflict; it is the ability to cope with conflict" - Leo Giron
www.messerforum.net - the premier German language knife-related web board
 
Make sure you have a death grip on the knife if you buff it. Take your time. Don't let anyone come in and interrupt you at all while you are buffing.

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"Come What May..."
 
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