I used small slip stones up to #2,000 grit. Those last scratches are from that stone. The pictures came out waaaay too clear!

I was switching directions on each grit - from #240, #320, #600, #1,500, and #2,000. The curve in the blade made it difficult to get an even finish. I found the slip stones got that aged patina off quite well, and those scratch marks in the blade were fairly deep.

I like the results of the stones for getting the surface back, and I just went out and got some diamond polishes - #600, 2K and I had some 8K and 15K already. I will go back and try again with my rotary tool and the pastes, and finish off with some CrO2.

BTW I left the handle of the blade a little rougher because I was afraid to wear down the metal, and erase the imprint. The steel of the blade was much harder than the handle, so I didn't want to overdue it. Any suggestions about that?

Thanks for your feedback