Mirror finish on an Opinel Carbone

[uilleann]

I watched a few youtube videos on how to hand polish a blade for a mirror finish. I had all of the materials so I dove in. But it looks like I will have to go back to the rougher grit sandpaper out.

Here is the tip end of the blade before any work (with some usage scratches)

Here is is after I have gone through a series of sandpapers and buffing

Here is a close up of same area:

I guess I need to go back to my courser sandpaper and work my way through them again?

Also I have only been sanding perpendicular to the blade. Should I be also sanding parallel to the blade?

Thanks.

 

[jpm2]

Sanding perpendicular to the previous scratches will help you know when they've been removed.