machine finish vs. hand finished

J

Jason Fry

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jun 5, 2008
Messages
3,160
I'm on knives number 41 through 45, so a relative newb, but not inexperienced either. Up until #37, I had hand sanded every blade, usually to a 400 or 600 grit finish, but sometimes to 1000 and buff. At #37, with the help of a 400 grit 3M gator, I figured out how to do a good machine finish that's even, smooth, etc. Here's my dilemma. I have a customer that ordered a pair of knives from me. I didn't specify finish, and the three examples on my website all have different grit finishes. Is a well executed machine finish "as good" as a well executed hand finish? I don't want to just take the easy way out at the expense of making an inferior product or a dissatisfied customer, but man is that machine finish easy. Your thoughts?
 
My suggestion is to get a hold of him and ask. If you don't have the knife up to that point yet, you can at least get started with it, and hold off on the final sanding depending on what he requests.
 
I would definitely ask the customer which his preference is, and from now on find out up front, and charge more for hand finished.
 
jkf96a said:
I'm on knives number 41 through 45, so a relative newb, but not inexperienced either. Up until #37, I had hand sanded every blade, usually to a 400 or 600 grit finish, but sometimes to 1000 and buff. At #37, with the help of a 400 grit 3M gator, I figured out how to do a good machine finish that's even, smooth, etc. Here's my dilemma. I have a customer that ordered a pair of knives from me. I didn't specify finish, and the three examples on my website all have different grit finishes. Is a well executed machine finish "as good" as a well executed hand finish? I don't want to just take the easy way out at the expense of making an inferior product or a dissatisfied customer, but man is that machine finish easy. Your thoughts?
Click to expand...

Personally, I prefer the vertical machine finish over the horizontal hand finish or buff. That will be the only option on any knives I happen to sell, other than 'brute de forge'.
 
A machine finish is easier be it glue based compound on a buff or one of the scotchbrite type belts, it also hides vertical scratches really well which is the type most often put on a knife during use. That being said its probably easier for the customer to clean up a blade thats been hand finshed because with a scrubby pad or the proper grit wet or dry sandpaper a clean wipe with the abrasive on either side of the blade and it can be brought back to near new. I'd ask the customer.
Ken
 
Sometimes the most difficult part of being a custom maker is making sure that the image in your mind, and that in the customer's matches. I always recommend that a maker give the customer MORE than what they are expecting.
Not only does it build your reputation, but cutting corners on any order is basically cutting your own throat.

Take the time and effort to talk to your customer(s), and make sure that what you are building/sending, is what they are expecting (or more)!
 
Last edited:
Well put, Ed. I sent the customer an email asking which he prefers.
 
If done well,both are great!!

I would go with Ed's advice on this.give him more then he expects! and take into consideration how the knife will be used.
 
Maybe its just me, but my personally opinion is that there isn't really any "good" machine finish, particularly in comparison to a "good" hand finish. I often tell folks who come to my shop for classes that there is nothing that will add more value to their knives than "hands on time". A machine finish looks just like that...a machine finish. Most customers these days are very well educated about knives, and simply will not pay the same amount for a "machine finished blade", no matter what the rest of the knife looks like, as they would for a fine hand finished blade.

There is just no substitute for taking your time and using your hands....IF you want to offer the very best you can. If your counting hours and trying to create shortcuts, I think your only hurting yourself as a maker.

The caveat is that there are SOME knives that are suited to a machine finish, but be aware of the trap that creates.....if you create a lot of them, and become known for making that type of knife, its very difficult to ever shake that perception, or step to the "next level".
 
"The caveat is that there are SOME knives that are suited to a machine finish, but be aware of the trap that creates.....if you create a lot of them, and become known for making that type of knife, its very difficult to ever shake that perception, or step to the "next level".

Thanks for sharing this advice Ed. We need a Quotable quotes sticky for statements like this so they are not forever lost.

-Josh
 
I have been sending emails to clarify the order, I go over the basic model, steel type, handle material and finish. This clears the confusion like you are having, I have the same issue that orders from the web site can be many different materials and finishes.
 
Different strokes,for different folks..,is what it boils down to (imo).i had a knife listed for sale not long ago,with a very high handrubbed finish.i recieved an e-mail asking if i would put a machine finish on it,and it'd be sold.

So i did :)

We can argue over personal aethetic preferences.but what it boils down to is that a handrub requires more work,time,effort and is a better over all finish.but that wont stop me from doing machine finishes at buyers request :thumbup:
 
69_knives said:
Personally, I prefer the vertical machine finish over the horizontal hand finish or buff.
Click to expand...

I also like the vertical finish, o baby you put that finish on a deep hallow grind with a sharp top ridge line it just makes it pop.
 
Maybe I've just been looking at the wrong knives, but 99% of machine finishes I see seem to be done to avoid the time and effort it takes to hand sand.

I also know from personal experience that what appears to be a "perfect" 400 grit machine finish is not nearly as consistent as a properly-applied hand rub. Machine finishes are great ways to save customers money, but I think are also abused to cover up problems or to cut corners. I think there are lots of 60-120 grit scratches hidden in most 400 grit machine finishes, but its not as easy to hide those once you whip out the sandpaper and begin going across the grind.
 
If it's a flat grind, would you be able to take it on the grinder sideways to have the scratches go the other way?
 
Horizontal 400 grit scratches on any knife look like complete amateur garbage to me. Mastersmith and Journeyman smith knives are no exception. It's just an eyesore to me.

Like JT said....nothing like a fine belt, scotchbrite, or even a Hartsfield-like belt finish on a hollow ground blade.

Like balibalistic said. Different strokes for different folks.

I don't think there will be any knifemaker who hasn't chosen to "take it to the next level" that will not have fans or customers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top