Need tips for removal of scratches from blade

S

SwampDude

Joined
Nov 2, 2013
Messages
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Years ago I bought a Randall Model 5 with the intent of carrying it for hunting. However, it was so purdy I didn't have the heart to use it in the woods or anywhere else. It is, and shall remain, a safe queen.

Somehow, I managed to put a few very light marks on the blade that need to come off. They are very faint, sorta like scratches, but noticeable. How would a smart knife guy restore the blade finish to pristine condition?

I don't have polishing equipment or supplies beyond jewelers rouge and the Mothers metal polish I use on stainless guns. Might the rouge and a clean cloth, or polishing with a little Mothers, get the job done? Or is there a more effective technique known only to knife guys?
 
I like mothers or flitz and some patience and elbow grease. If you are really careful you can use your dremel and a cloth mini wheel. Russ
 
whateatsrabbits said:
Its ruined might as well use it as a hunting knife...;)
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I understand the view that every knife is a tool to be used. When I learned that these knives are in high demand with a 3-5 year waiting period on new orders, it changed my feeling about this one. Its more like a piece of art than a tool.

I've got Flitz too, so I'll give it a try. I've used Flitz and Mothers quite a lot on stainless guns, so I know the magic these polishes can work.

Thanks.
 
The finish on most Randall knives are not that "shiny", for lack of a better term. I used crocus cloth with a even pressure and it came out good on my user Randalls. Finished it off with flitz and I was happy. A couple of carbon steel Randalls got pits from neglect and took them back to the shop to be buffed out. They charged $50 and looked like new when I got them back.
 
If it is not a user, anything you do will probably lower the value. Leave it alone, unless it is rust.
 
brownshoe said:
If it is not a user, anything you do will probably lower the value. Leave it alone, unless it is rust.
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It sounds like polishing the blade might be viewed as a minor modification. The knife is only marred as described in the OP. I had no idea that shining the blade would be viewed as a change from factory original. Thanks.
 
If you polish the blade on a Randall, then sell the knife without disclosing that to the buyer, you're likely to have an angry buyer looking for his money back. I've seen people get very upset over much smaller points on much less valuable knives.
 
To shine or not to shine all depends. The hard core collector likes knives in as original condition as possible. The e-bay impulse buyer wants a shiny blade. What's a mother to do? :)

I use my knives, clean and polish them. It's a bitch when you get a pit on a custom O-1 blade, but it's still fun carrying it. That's why I often buy already used customs, takes off some of the sticker price shock if you're going to use it.
 
brownshoe said:
To shine or not to shine all depends. The hard core collector likes knives in as original condition as possible. The e-bay impulse buyer wants a shiny blade. What's a mother to do? :)

I use my knives, clean and polish them. It's a bitch when you get a pit on a custom O-1 blade, but it's still fun carrying it. That's why I often buy already used customs, takes off some of the sticker price shock if you're going to use it.
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Just out of curiosity, what might the collector value difference be between (1) 20 year old Randall model 5 in perfect original condition and (2) 20 year old Randall #5 in perfect original condition except the blade has been polished? I'm askin because I really don't have a clue. Do you suppose the value loss might be less than $20, $20-$50, $50-$100?

Thanks.
 
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