Why no mild steel?

[Josh Dabney]

"You're not crazy. Maybe a little weird, but not crazy. "

James,
LMAO, Ohh how true that statement is ! Yes..... One day I think there is the chance that I may possibly have a customer..... Or customers ??? We'll have to just wait and see but I did get your point, AN INFORMED CUSTOMER IS A HAPPY CUSTOMER. Sound advice bro and I thank you for it !

-Josh

 

[James_Terrio]

AN INFORMED CUSTOMER IS A HAPPY CUSTOMER.

You made your point squarely and truly with that statement, bud. Can I steal that line for future business cards?

Josh, I must humbly admit that any small nugget of wisdom I may be able to share doesn't come from me, but from my family and other mentors (many of them right here on this forum) who have taught me about quality. It makes me smile, and helps me become a better man and a better maker, whenever us newbies can have a grin and learn something together. :thumbup:

 

[jdm61]

You can get a nice version of a French gray finish on 1018 using a few applications of Birchwood Casey Super blue paste and a rinse and "carding" with OOOO steel wool after each application.

 

[Ed Fowler]

Bruce: That is one of the nicest knives I have seen for a long time!
Congratulations, your engraving and blending the guard to the handle is exquisite!

 

[Fox Creek]

Yes, Bruce, that is wonderful work...For my work, I LUV mild steel..sand it to 220 or so and go after it with 3XXX steel wool until your fingers fall off. It will take a glowing polish easily. AND very easy maintenance. If a bit of tarnish or rust comes in, a bit of steel wool and a drop of oil just makes it better. Mild steel lends it self to all sort of file work and engraving 'cause it is so soft. I like the precision ground 1013.

 

[Bruce Bump]

Thanks much Ed and Fox.
Ed I wish I could take the credit for the engraving. Someday maybe. I am drawing scrolls each day but havent engraved an inch yet.

Fox where do you get the PG 1013? sounds interesting. I have used and like 4140 but the engravers complain that it tears easy when they cut it for gold wire inlay. They can really tell the differances between steels by the way it cuts. 4140 is so pretty. Do you really go from 220 to 000 steel wool? I usually go up in grits all the way to buffed and then back down to a 3M ultra fine pad which I think is about 1000. I suspect it is equivalent to your 000 steel wool.