I used metal finishing sandpaper to get the dirt and rust off. I followed it up with successions of 00, 000 and 0000 steel wool. I didn't have the catching issues that most people have, but I've been using fine steel wool for a while when cleaning guitars. I don't know the grit equivalents but I've read it could be anywhere from 800-1200 on the 0000 wool. The blade is extremely smooth to the touch, especially after the rounds of metal polish I used.