Satin finish, Help

S

slip23us

Joined
Jan 2, 2009
Messages
60
Can some one explain how to get a satin finish after 400 grit I tried it and didn't turn out right , I was told to go to 400 grit then pull the 400 grit one way the after that the scotch brite one way. The blae still has many scratches plus I'm using heavy duty cause I can't find the normal pads, or should I be doing this on a belt sande. Or do I need to still work at it. It driving me crazy cause I can't get the right look, Help
 
I use a 400 grit Gator belt and the gives a nice satin finish. Then I put it on a green scotch brite belt and that leaves a very smooth satin finish that is easy to touch up anytime with a green scotch brite pad in the future.
 
Are you 100% sure you have all the low grit marks out? Also, when I do straight razor restores, I go a step higher (800 grit) then back down to 400 grit.

Pulling one way is very important to keep from getting the fishhooks in the finish.
 
+1 for going one step beyond and coming back to your desired finish. I also use a light oil when handsanding to get a nice satin finish. I don't use scotchbrite pads either.

Here is a #400 hand rubbed satin finish I did.

2012-02-02110455.jpg



-Xander
 
medicevans said:
Are you 100% sure you have all the low grit marks out? Also, when I do straight razor restores, I go a step higher (800 grit) then back down to 400 grit.

Pulling one way is very important to keep from getting the fishhooks in the finish.
Click to expand...

+1.
Also, I find that if you're sanding dry, it's very easy to miss the deeper scratches, because the dust tends to fill in the scratches. I always work one grit vertically, the next grit horizontally through the grit range as it's easier to see when you're there.
 
Dang it Xander, quit posting your folder project! I am sourcing metal for mine and I'll be starting soon!
 
The absolute easiest satin finish is to hand sand it to 220 grit using Mobil 1 as the lubricant.

This one was taken to 220, then etched, then 220 again

T-Pic-27-20-11.jpg
 
You are in Chino.

So you can go to http://trugrit.com/ and go to their store. It is on Francis between Grove and Euclid.

They are helpful and even have a knifemaker on staff. Call and ask when Jeff will be there and go in and talk to him and have him help you pick out what you need.
 
slip23us said:
Can some one explain how to get a satin finish after 400 grit I tried it and didn't turn out right , I was told to go to 400 grit then pull the 400 grit one way the after that the scotch brite one way. The blae still has many scratches plus I'm using heavy duty cause I can't find the normal pads, or should I be doing this on a belt sande. Or do I need to still work at it. It driving me crazy cause I can't get the right look, Help
Click to expand...

Are you doing this by hand or on a grinder? Looking at the above statement about "pulling" it sounds like hand sanding. If so I would agree with the others about working up and one step back. I have never heard of or seen anybody use Scotchbrite in hand sanding.

My formula for a machine satin is working through all the grits to 600 and then a super fine Scotchbrite.

Are you or Mr. AVigil going to the Pasadena Blade Expo? Stop by and say hello.
 
I found I like to work the finish thru 2000 dry making sure no so deeper marks remain from a previous grit. When all is well I add a few drops of honing oil to some 2000 grit and let a paste develop as I hand rub (meaning no sanding block) the blade and you can feel the finish develop. It leaves a soft velvety finish. Takes a while, dont let the emory cloth get to thick or go dry by adding a drop or two of honing oil. you can feel it thicken.

I am not a knife maker much beyond novice but I have refinished many firearms and have had excellent luck using 2000 and honing oil.
 
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