I'm looking for a few recommended methods

[Portman30-06]

So the questions I have are what are some ways of finishing the blade. Currently I either force a patina or I try to run it on the belt the same way for a nice pattern. What exactly are finishing belts in terms of grit and material? Also are files better for doing the bevels? I think they might be in terms of end result because it has room to correct things before its too late and less heat buildup. Is it better to freehand? And for sheath making do I wet then form on the knife to dry? Blade or part of the handle? Just looking for some general answers and tips that may be better than mine.

 

[Frank Niro]

Have you read the "stickies" at the top of this page? Frank

 

[Hawk45]

I do most work with carbon steel and outside of keeping them oiled, you can put wax on them. Either of these will eventually wear off if not regularly applied after using the knife. I'm a big fan of forced patinas b/c I think they protect the knife and add character. Who wants the same knife as the guy next to you? I use distilled white vinegar with various paper towl prints to get different effects (snakeskin, stripes, etc). If you want a really good deep dark finish heat the vinegar in a shallow pan and drop the knives in for a few mins, it will come out a dark mat black/gray. Almost like a parkerized finish.
Or you could get into Ceracoat or some other spray on finish.