Polishing out bead blasts...

[RocketSoul]

Is there any way that this can be done? I have a few bead blasted blades that I love but would love even more if I could polish out the bead blast (merely a cosmetic obsession of mine ) Preferably the solution would involve me going out the the hardware store and buying a new belt for my belt sander or wheel for a drill but anything will work.

 

[calyth]

I did it on the CRKT F4. Use a flat hand sander, have a really rough sandpaper, and gradually work up to at least 2000 grit should give you pretty good results.

 

[Charlie Mike]

try a Scotchbrite pad (y'know, the green things)

 

[WrongFriend]

As for cosmetic issue, most sandblasted knives have really rough surface. You'll find it when you grind it off, that is, when you get over the point of no return. I had my BM975 mirror finished with days of sandpaper work starting from rough to 2000 grit, and diamond paste.
All done with hands not to do bad effect to heat treating, and to dull blade bevel lines (sandpaper rubs them off).
When I finished up BM975, every knife pals of mine said "Wow it just looks like Taiwanese copy of BM!" I didn't feel well rewarded for sweat.

 

[RocketSoul]

Cool. Thanks for the info. My first victim will be my CRKT Point Guard so if I mess up, no tremendous loss. And if it somehow looks good, then I can make a sacrifice to the knife gods for helping me on my quest.

 

[calyth]

You'll find it's a pain to go through their etching.
My F4 still have faint signs of them.....