Thread: 230 Douris - Handsanding Does Almost Nothing

Originally Posted by rolodave

....It is as if the blade was case-hardened. Case hardening has been discussed in threads but I don't believe anyone found proof of a manufacturer actuality doing it as part of the hardening process.

That's an interesting thought RD. Case hardening typically produces a very thin surface treatment. It's a cheap way to improve a lesser quality steel that you do not expect to wear much. The amount of good steel needed for a razor, and it's ready availability in Europe, speaks against this possibility. But it's still possible.

Another test of time would occur during honing. At the edge, the thin case hardening would be abraded away exposing the softer parent material. If this blade resists surface abrasion but is difficult to hone, you might be right.

FWIW, I like the look of it.

Hand sanding is an art, look at knife makers there are many good videos on hand sanding knives with lots of good information and equipment recommendations.

Paper makes a big difference and can wear quickly. Paper management can/will go a long way to produce good quicker cutting results.

I use a wine cork and a padded wine cork, 6mm craft foam cut into 3 in squares, I also cut my paper into 3- inch pieces, (mark the back, so you know the grit. Then you have 4 edges to work from.

Yes, the cork or round backer limits the amount of contact, but that is a good thing that concentrates pressure. Rotate the cork and paper so you have fresh grit in contact. You will feel when it stops cutting effectively and allows use every inch of paper. When the paper is done, it’s done especially at low grits.

As said cross direction sanding will remove material quicker and more evenly, here padded cork sands well length wise, heel to toe.

I rarely go lower than 320 and usually start at 600 grit. 600 easily sands out with1k and 1k to near mirror. 600 will buff out with a buffer, 1k will polish with metal polish by hand, 2k easily will polish.

How you secure your blade will make a difference, remove the edge for safety.

Here is a great video series on hand sanding a Knife by Nick Wheeler to a mirror finish, note how meticulous he works, how much pressure he uses and how he changes direction and paper frequently.

(Nick Wheeler Hand sanding knives 101)