Tips on polishing up HI's?

javand

javand

Joined
Oct 17, 2010
Messages
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I'm sure people know the answer to this question, I just don't.


Anybody manage to use their HI khuk (regular finish, not villager), and get it back into "new" polish afterward?

Up until this point I haven't had an issue taking a swing with the Khuks I've acquired, but I've recently gotten one, and have another on the way that scream "show pieces". Of course, that goes entirely against my philosophy of using all my blades, but seems to be an inescapable fact once you cross over the line to full on HIKV, and having way more khukris than you could possibly *need*.

So, what can I do to polish them back up if I just use them lightly? Or if that light bit of powdery rust splotch gets on them that I know happens regularly in transit, etc?

The users, I take a brillo type scrubber to them after action, and it cleans them right up, but it definitely leaves them with a "Villager" style finish. Anybody successfully recreate that "mirror" polish without specialized equipment?


Thanks!
 
For rust: sandpapers (probably wetordry) progressing up to at least 1000 grit. I can't remember the exact numbers for the sandpapers, but it is probably in the Links Library. If not, using the Search (don't forget to Search the Archives) for "rust" or "Magic Stone Finish"/"restore finish".

For regular upkeep, final step after sandpapers or to restore after use and cleaning, the use of a metal polish like Simichrome or Flitz seem to work well.
 
A buffing wheel but becareful it will bite you and Khuks love to get grabbed
 
Once I get through the sandpaper up to 2000 grit or 4000 grit, I go to Cape Cod cloths. Shiny goodness.
 
Be careful. Many a Cantinaian has lost his marbles trying to keep a user khuk pristine:D

I gave into the patina long, long ago.
 
Here's a tip. Don't bother. A user khukuri will pick up scratches and patina along the way. It's inevitable. All the time and effort you spend getting it back to shiny is wasted because the moment you use it again the polish will be gone.
 
Patina is the way to go on 5160. Easy to maintain and natural rust protection. Little bleach spritz for some character followed by some metal polish and voila...:D
 
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I vote for the patina also, it makes using the blade more enjoyable too. I don't own a wall hanger, all of mine get used and they are all looking great.
 
I'm happy to just use the scouring pad on the users, but mostly just want to be able to take a couple of test swings with my collection pieces, and be able to clean them back up to their proper shine.


Also for instance, I've got a BAS I'm re-handling, with some very light pattern rust and scratches, but otherwise, mirror finish, that I'd like to get back to pristine.

But yeah, I'm definitely not going to try and keep my users polished.
 
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