The right buffs and polish...Being a jeweler for over 40yrs helps....You dont get them from knife supply places..They do have the polish,,but not the same buffs...And it takes alot of time...To me these knife blanks are rough and need lots of love..What to me looks like Crap...I have found your regular individual dosnt even notice....And to me you cant get a good enough polish...I think I have at least 15 or so differant polishes,,all steels dont polish the same..Most knife makers put the sand paper finish(we call it a florentine or brushed to hide imperfections in metal..Jewelers do it.
The finish is to me the MOST important in the end product. My jury on these knives and polish is still out...forget a polish on D2. Probally my favorite steel next to S30V...And 440C heavy on C. Is right in there with ats34,cpm154...But 440C will probally take the best polish and keep it for along time and not rust.