Scratched Blade

[knifepunk]

how do i fix this? its pretty band.. there not deep scratchs but they wont buff out anything . help!!!



watch your back...

[4 s ter]

kp

Not too long ago I refinished a 6" fixed blade using wet/dry sandpaper. I started with 320 grit to get out deeper scratches. Followed this with 800, then 1500 grit. I used lots of water while sanding and used a hard rubber eraser as the "sanding block" to keep the paper relatively flat against the blade. The result was a well polished blade. I imagine this process could be followed by some type of buffing, but I'm quite happy with the results.

I've never tried this with a Spyderco knife but I imagine that it would acceptably. It may not be advisable to try to remove deep scratches if it require the removal of too much metal. Another option might be to return the knife to the manufacturer (Spyderco ?) for repair if they offer that service.

David



"Not all who wander are lost"

[java]

KP,

You might try simichrome metal polish if the scratches aren't too deep. There are other metal polishes out there and their abilities and applications differ. I'm just more familar with simichrome.

David's method is is a tried and true makers and refinisher's procedure. Key in to the fact that he used plenty of water. David used hand sanding and water helps prevent gumming the surface of the paper and reducing its efficiency. Using a power grinder or buffing wheel generates plenty of heat and could change the tempering or hardening characteristics of the blade. Be sure and observe all the proper safety cautions, especially if you're using a buffing wheel or belt sander. David Boye covers regrinding and polishing fairly thoroughly in his book Step-By-Step Knifemaking. Check it out and good luck!

Stay SAFE!!!! Stay sharp! <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Edited by - java on 5/26/2002 9:38:01 AM

Edited by - java on 5/26/2002 9:39:18 AM

[AllenETreat]

Hey knifepunk :

From one elder statesman of this forum to a
new one : I had this problem with my cricket
about a year ago, here's what I did ; take
some coarse grain emory cloth and buff the
whole blade ( I know it looks bad at this point, but...) then, with fine grain emory
cloth ( 400 or finer ) repeat. Work from
course to very fine. Worked for me. Gotta have patience though! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

ATE <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

[4 s ter]

ATE

You're right! Patience is the key. The 6 inch blade took me an entire evening.

"Not all who wander are lost"

[java]

KP,

Here's a tutorial with pix that may help.

http://www.homestead.com/beknivessite2/handrubbing.html

Good luck to ya!


Stay safe! Stay sharp! <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

[Sword and Shield]

I grab a set of sanding films from a hobby store and start with 150 grit, then 240, 320, 400 and 600. After 600 I usually will polish with a bit of leather or a piece of 1000 grit for a really fine finish.

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.

[knifepunk]

Thanks for the help <img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

<img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> watch your back <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Edited by - knifepunk on 5/26/2002 8:40:44 PM

[Knife Knut]

Leave the scratches; they add character.