Thread: How far should I go?

High grit sandpaper can be found at any woodworking store. Auto parts stores also sell it. Bruno says he starts at 320- I often start at 220 and sometimes even lower. It all depends on the blade condition for where you start. I also, never do circles. I only go from edge to spine and vice versa. You just need to be careful to get out all the previous scratches no matter what grit you are at.

Yeah, autoparts stores are a good place to look. FYI, I find the 3M brand papers work the best.

I use Norton. I get them at Woodcraft.

Originally Posted by Philadelph

High grit sandpaper can be found at any woodworking store. Auto parts stores also sell it. Bruno says he starts at 320- I often start at 220 and sometimes even lower. It all depends on the blade condition for where you start. I also, never do circles. I only go from edge to spine and vice versa. You just need to be careful to get out all the previous scratches no matter what grit you are at.

I've found that circles work well in the low grit stages to remove pitting, because the wear on the blade will be more evened out.
In the high grit stage I sometimes switch to back and forth along the length of the blade, and then along the width of the blade for the next grit.

I have some good news! She arrived today.

The scales are already off, and let me tell you, the pictures are fairly accurate.

The etching is nearly worn away, so that answers whether to keep it.

But I have one last question:
Most of the tarnish feels as slick as the rest of the blade. The only significant rust is on the tang near the pivot. Excepting this trouble area, should I still start with a very low grit sand paper?

Never hurts to start with a higher grit. Try 400. Worst thing that could happen is you'd need to take a step backwards.

For sandpaper I go to an autoparts store
and buy up to 2000 grit wet/dry paper. I just
ordered some 2500 and 3000 because I'm
insane and can't be happy with the mirror look
I have already. As was mentioned before,
get ready for some hand cramping. Have fun.

John

PS. Bruno, I'd be interested in the
handsanding guide you referred to.

John

Originally Posted by kerryman71

PS. Bruno, I'd be interested in the
handsanding guide you referred to.

John

I second a request for the re-posting.

Ok I'll post it again in the weekend.