Remove stonewash finish?

Sand paper and elbow grease. Lots of both. Start at a fairly low grit (220 maybe), and work your way up to 1500 at least, maybe 2k or higher. Then touch up on the buffer. Make sure you've completely erased the previous scratch pattern before you start the next. I personally prefer stonewash finish to pretty much anything else. But to each his own.
 
In many cities there are businesses that specialize in "metal polishing". I'd consult the google and call for an estimate before shipping your knife off to a knife guy in another state.

Or, of course, spend a few hours and do it your self. Polishing can be done completely by hand with oxide papers, a rag and polish.
 
I would take the piece you have to anyone who has a blasting cabinet. They can do either a sand or bead blast on the frame.
 
Depending on the hardness of the alloy.

I completed the mulit grits sand, mirror polish and heat ano process all in one day on this:

DSCN2039_zps8dde4cf2.jpg


Test with 400/600 grit to check how deep are the peaks and valleys on the existing finish. Then decide on the grit aggressiveness needed, start with alternate progression at 90* to assure surface is 100% abraded. Move on to the next grit progression only after the last grits scratch is completely removed. After moved on and past 1500/2000 grit, might need switch over to diamond film grits. To attain the clearest mirror finish, keep between grits as close as possible for better results.

Power tools can be helpful but with it, can induce deep scratches that will be difficult and time consuming to remove.

My reprofiled Yojimbo 2 with deep factory grind marks removed from S90 steel, started with 80 grit, @ 280 grit:

DSCN2057_zpsef0b0c5a.jpg


After the seventh day, @ 2000 grit:

DSCN2058_zpsf85aa5af.jpg


I did two hand sessions a day, 2 to 3 hours each with long break in between. Yesterday, on the eigth day, I used my Foredom TX Flexshaft @ 15000 RPM, after buffing with white, followed with green compound, finish is mirror with specks of flaws. Starting today, for as long as it takes, to removed the flaws, repolish, visual check and take it from there.

I am speaking not as an amateur. Patience is needed for a rewarding finish, which majority of knife makers won't provide for obvious reasons.

Good luck and have fun!

:thumbup:
 
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A very good subject. Does anyone have anymore input. How about when the material is titanium.
 
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