Buffing wheels, compounds and finishing antler

[gables]

I like a hand finished satin blade but want to invest in a wheel and compound(s) for polishing up fittings.

What is a good way to begin? Type of wheel and compound?

what works on elk antler for buffing and finishing?

[Lin Rhea]

I use a muslin stacked wheel with white compound.

I recommend approaching buffing with great caution for safety reasons, of course, but also, it's my belief, you can rely on it too much and buff too early in the process, which will not look good. Buff in moderation. I dont buff very much at all and when I do, I'm choosy about it.

You might look into the Kratex wheels for some things. I love them. Same issues as buffing. Just be careful and learn when to do it and when not. Lin

[kbaknife]

That's excellent advice from Lin - of course.

What most beginners take some time to learn is that a nice mirror polish job is NOT the result of lots of polishing.
It's the result of LOTS of hand sanding, ending with the ultra-fine grits above 2000.
Then, it doesn't take too long to forget about mirror polishing.
It's too much work to be done correctly for the results to be truly worthwhile.
And a sloppy 1/2 done mirror polish is an embarrassment.

[gables]

Great advice. Thanks to you both.

[kansas stik man]

i just completed my second knife and i polished it like a mirror but he is 100% right about having a blade that was not ready for buffing.  i should have spent more time sanding and i would have a nicer knife but instead i got in a hurry and paid the price.  i now have a 'ok' second knife but in my eyes a failed attempt at my first polished blade.  take the advice and sand tell you cant sand anymore then polish. good luck.

[nockhunter]

If you buff too early you run the risk of wiping out all your transition lines. If you hand sand on flat surfaces your lines stay nice and crisp.

Mike