How useful is a buffer in knifemaking?

On the Case tour at the 4:22 minute mark isn't he buffing with wheel running downward?
 
In the GEC video, I didn't see any buffing wheels? I saw several sizes of belt grinders with all the guards, and a slow speed (wet?) grinding wheels with all the guards. The buffing was done on a very wide ( looked like 12") felt buff in a safety cabinet. Couldn't tell which way it was running, but since all the others were going clockwise (turning toward the top), I will assume it was too. All these are specialized equipment and not pedestal buffers with cloth wheels.

In the Case video, the cloth buffing wheel is turning downward. - 4:19

I may be remembering wrong, but back when I dealt with the machine shop guys, all wire wheel grinders and loose wheel buffers were supposed to turn downward according to the safety rules. I believe grinding wheels also had to turn that way.
 
Cushing H. said:
It almost sounds like one should really set up a shooting range-type location, perhaps with some soft “catching” material painted with a target :) . (Sorry, but that is the image that comes to mind...). Horsewright clearly has the perfect setup.

Such passion - part of me is sorry for resurrecting this thread ... but i guess discussion and debate is educational for all. I understand that there is no magic here - that capricious little arms don't randomly reach out and grab the blade (or handle) ... that it takes inattention and snagging a corner/edge. It just seems the potential downside to a moment of inattention (which we know will happen at some time) is so bad.... i am still undecided on this...

Stacy, reminder please: why for occasional buffing of handles an electric drill (run slower) with a buffing wheel in the chuck and the knife securely clamped in a vise would not be a reasonable approach?
Click to expand...

I've done that once before, I had no issues. Knife was clamped in a vise, buffed the blade fine. My hand was never pulled into the blade. Not saying it couldn't, but I wasn't worried about it.
 
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Ok, I'll let it go. I am only trying to point out the safer ways to buff and reasons why.

You folks can buff anyway you want. I highly disapprove of buffing a fillet knife edge up at 5000 RPM on a 12" sisal buff … in the nude, but if that is what you want to do … go for it.

If anything interesting happened while buffing, post photos.
 
I buff at the 5 o'clock position, I have know several who did buff on top as well

I think we should just leave out stuff that really are to scare people and not always absolute.

Do not catch an edge! is what is needed to be stressed. If you know that then you will be much safer
 
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