Schrade Old Timer blade finish?

Woodrow F Call

Woodrow F Call

Joined
Jan 3, 2013
Messages
5,713
I got an old timer that someone tried to refinish the blade and didn't do a great job. I would like to restore it to an original finish. I plan on using sand paper and pushing the blade along it kinda like sharpening but having the blade flat on the paper (on top of a hard surface of course).

What grit would I finish at?
 
Woodrow, I'm an amateur hack so take with a grain of salt. I use this same technique restoring old bike parts.

There are 3 things.
1) Start with a grit near the size of the worst scratches.
2)Work until all scratches are no longer visible other than new from the sandpaper.
3) Work in one direction till done (2) then work the next pass at 90 degrees off.

I use automotive wet/dry paper with either water or 3 in 1 oil. I usually go through 320, 400, 800, 2000, rubbing compound.

This will give a mirror polish. Obviously, the way to finish is with a buffing wheel but I don't have one. . Avoid dremmels.


grandpas-hunter by Pinnah, on Flickr
 
I'd think something in the neighborhood of ~320-600 grit would roughly emulate the factory 'brushed satin' look I'm familiar with, on the OTs I have (8OT, 108OT and two 25OTs; all in 1095 steel). Might start with the 320 to get an even scratch pattern overall. If that looks too coarse, it'll then be pretty easy to refine it by taking a step (or two) up in grit, in sequence (320 --> 400 --> 600). I wouldn't skip any grits in getting there. Assuming 1095 steel, it sands and grinds very easily on wet/dry paper, and shouldn't take too long. Even the stainless ones aren't too difficult to sand, though it may take just a little longer (440A, for the SCHRADE+ USA models).

Might consider using the paper wet, as this seems to keep swarf from clogging the paper too quickly, and also seems to result in a more even finish.


David
 
Last edited:
The carbon steel Old Timers didn't have a mirrored finish. "Brushed satin" as described by Obsessed is the best I can describe it.

And the 'brush' lines run non-lengthwise on the face and tang. Don't have a great picture to show it, but the lines are obvious on these pics:


(the above knife on the far right is stainless and has a different finish)

 
^^Yep. That's the factory finish I know, specifically the 'NY USA' 8OT @ 3rd from left (though mine hasn't looked that fresh in quite a while). :D


David
 
Just wish I had a better picture to show the finish accurately. Seems like every picture I have on hand either doesn't show the brushed finish at all, or the finish is exaggerated like in the flatbed scans above.

Two more that show the brushing somewhat.



 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top