Well, search ain't Working...

[Lucky Bob]

and I checked knifehow, so:

How in blazes does one create a mirror finish on metal? I've gone up to damn high grits, and it still isn't mirror!

 

[T.A.DAVISON]

and I checked knifehow, so:

How in blazes does one create a mirror finish on metal? I've gone up to damn high grits, and it still isn't mirror!

Lucky Bob
I don't know what grit you have gone to, But I work up to 800 grit.
Then I go to a black compound on the buffer,
then to a white compound.
Then practice, practice, practice --- makes Lucky Bob perfect -
Good Luck Bob
Todd Davison

 

[steierknives]

Polishing is replacing bigger scratches with smaller ones. You also begin to show the steel's grain as you approach mirror. It never is perfect. That said, have you tried the pink no scratch rouge? It helps. I've also seen some pretty good polishes by people who use cork belts. I still haven't perfected that either. Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[Lucky Bob]

OHHHHH... duh. I totally hadn't focused on rouge/buffing compound.

Cork, though? As in the wood my noteboard is made of?

 

[T.A.DAVISON]

Lucky Bob,
You should focus on going diffrent directions across the grain when
buffing, all diffrent directions.
I've never used a cork belt, and I've had a famous knife maker tell
me mine was some of the best he had ever seen. NOT TO BRAG,
just back to that thing they say - practice makes perfect - :thumbup:
Also use a buffer with some power, speed - umph....
Be very careful doing this.
I had a Bowie go through my hand from one of these... Not a good thing
Take care
Todd Davison