How to take a mirror finish down to hand rubbed satin??

[GrizzlyBear]

This knife I completed came with a highly polished mirror finish. I'm really considering keeping it as a user (till I build a better one later on ) and I think taking that mirror shine down to a nice hand rubbed satin finish would be much better on a user. Mirror blades sure are purdy , but they lose their appeal as soon as the first scratches start to appear.

Also, coupled with the dymondwood handle, the bright mirror blade kind of mimicks some of the cheap flea market blades I have seen in years past...(which I did not think about at first). I don't want my knife to have that "cheap" look, and I think taking the time to put a rubbed satin finish would make it look like a higher quality blade and not something from the flea market.

What do you guys think? And what would be the best way to go about transforming that mirror into satin? I would think start back with maybe 600 with a hand block and go in 1 direction, ricasso to tip till even scratches are on the blade then switch to 800 and be done.

 

[CShepherd]

Just my personal opinion but I much prefer a satin finish to a mirror finish. I appreciate the amount of work that goes into a mirror finish and a mirror finish will certainly show flaws in grinding but for myself I like the satin finish.

Putting a satin finish shouldn't be difficult. One trick I've recently tried is to use 400-600 grit wet/dry sandpaper with motor oil. Gives a very nice even finish that way.

The hardest part for you is going to be getting an even satin finish around the handles.

Another option is if you have access to a sandblaster. Tape off the handles and have at it.

Charlie