sandpaper mods

[Lucky Bob]

I have an extra-thick ZDP Leek, and I'm thinking about sanding down the primary (the one closest to the spine, I always get confused which is which) grind so the edge won't be so thick.

Two questions:

1. I got 80 and 150 grit sandpapers; think the 80 would be overkill? (too hard to polish out the grind-lines)
2. Anybody have any suggestions for something hard and very much flat to use as a backing? I'm hoping it's something I'd have around the house, although I have a glass table that should be more or less flat enough to flatten something else out (I don't want to use it as a sanding block, since I want to be able to clamp the knife and move the block), but no Micarta, which was my first idea, a la How to Make Knives.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[hardheart]

sanding block, should be able to get at paint or auto body supply

 

[rebeltf]

For a sandpaper block/back I use different items depending on what I am sanding and it's shape.

You could use a hand sized wood block , a thick ruler , one of those flat lumber pencils , a pen or brass/steel rod (if you need round). Use your imagination as to what you have available.

You are going to have a lot of sanding ahead of you , I recommend getting a few more grits , start low maybe 180 and finish up to 1500 depending on the finish you want , satin or mirrored or brushed - etc.
When you sand , sand in one diredction for a while (back and forth) then sand up and down , it helps to minimize scratches and actually speeds up the process some.
Also think about wearing a nose cozy or bandana so as not to inhale dust.

Post pics of your finished knife please !!!!

 

[Lucky Bob]

I think 80 (which I said I had, if you had read ) is course enough for steel removal...

A thick ruler, however, is a very good idea. (Sanding blocks I had thought of and saw at the Home Depot, but they're too big to be handy for the purpose.)

 

[rebeltf]

I read it bro , I meant to point out that 80 may be too coarse to use.

 

[thombrogan]

You'll be better off getting a sanding belt from the HD instead of using 80 grit sandpaper. Just cut it and glue it to a piece of wood or mdf. ZDP-189's wear resistance shows itself most in two places - cutting soft, abrasive materials and thinning out edges. Takes almost forever with a 120 grit diamond, so expect it to eat 80 grit sandpaper like a stray dog with a tapeworm.

 

[rebeltf]

so expect it to eat 80 grit sandpaper like a stray dog with a tapeworm.

LMAO :thumbup:

 

[Lucky Bob]

I read it bro , I meant to point out that 80 may be too coarse to use.

Apologies. Seems I've gotten in the habit of assuming people are stupid

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Start really coarse, as low as you can go, however don't run right to the very edge as that will waste too much material unless you don't intend to increase the polish.

-Cliff