satin finish direction

H

hobbit

Joined
Nov 16, 1999
Messages
25
I've noticed that the majority of makers satin finish their blades length-wise as opposed to width-wise and I was wondering if there was any particular reason for this. Also, the finish is usually the same direction for the whole blade is there any reason not to finish the flats length-wise and the bevels width-wise, I would think that this method would make the grind lines appear sharper. Anyone?

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Just because you're not paraniod doesn't mean they're not out to get you
 
Hobbit,

I prefer to go width wise on most of my knives if the customer does not specify, I decide... as you should...

I choose it this way. Since I bring my blades to full-morror finish and then go back, I often try both ways as I step from 1000 to 800 to 600 grit.

Like you, I like the width way to highlight the grind lines.

But be real careful, if you decide to get "freaky" and combine both length and width... It can look real cheap real quick...

Here's another thought, try bringing your blade up to a mirror finish then satin finish only the side of the blade, leaving the back of the spline mirror finished. I often put file-art on my knives and the mirror finish mating up to the satin finish really sets the file art off...

Good Luck,

Bruce
 
I finally found the satin finish I've been looking for ever since I started making knives. I ordered some scotchbrite belts and hit a flat ground blade with one. It leaves beautiful parralel lines on the blade which make a very nice satin finish. I prefer the lines to go from the back to the edge, not lengthwise. I'm going to finish all my working knives this way unless the customer asks for something else.Take care! Michael

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<A HREF="http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
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"Always</A> think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"
 
L6 where do you get your scotchbrite belts and do they come in diferent grits.
 
I agree 100% with Bruce!!
Dan L, 3M will make them to what ever size you need. You will have to go through a local distributor. Since I run 108" belts I order them along with the ones used at my full time job for the "industrial Size" grinders. One thing.......Dont even bother ordering a coarse one to even try! I have one that I took home from work and can see NO use for it in ANY knifemaking procedure!! They use them for deburring giant SS castings and stuff! The will remove skin faster than ANY 36 grit belt
frown.gif
I reccomend the fine or medium textures.
Neil

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Blackwood Knives
More knives in stock soon!
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Dan, I get my belts from GL Pearce Abrasives in Pennsylvania. They make them any size you want. Here the number 18009380021. They're also 5-6 bucks cheaper than knife suppliers. Take care! Michael

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<A HREF="http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
"Always" TARGET=_blank>http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
"Always</A> think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"
 
3M's also got a wheel out that does an amazing job of polishing...it's like a sponge with very fine abrasives cast into it.
Best $35 I've spent in a long time!!!!
Harry
 
One other method that is a little different that a Scotch-brite wheel or belt is what is referred to as an Anderson wheel. I got one of these from Texas Knifemakers Supply a few years back. Its not bad. This is another "non-lengthways" finish. The finish is very hard to explain. It leaves almost a brushed look, I guess. No near as smooth looking as Scotch-brite.

C Wilkins
 
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