Blade sharpening without scratches???

[Doug in MI]

I was wondering what some of you use to sharpen a blade for the first time after you made a new knife?
I see all of those nice high polished blades and no scratches on the blade from sharpening wich I seem to get once in a while from a stone? Whats the secret?
Thanks

[Bill Moore]

Doug if you go to one of the many knife supply shops they have a special set of wheels one of which I dress with grafite it does a good job of sharpening all my new and used knives I do this and then follow up with an fine arkansas stone. Wild Bill

[Lin Rhea]

Doug,
      If there are scratches on the blade you are doing one of two things that are not just right. Either your blade edge geometry is too thick or your laying the blade down too far on the stone. You should be holding the spine up off of the stone a little with only a small area along the edge making contact with the stone. Lin

[Doug in MI]

Thanks guys.
 I do tend to lay the blade down to far.And until I get a belt grinder my blades are probably slightly thicker also.Just using a file right now.
I just see all the nice flawless mirror polished blades you guys make and was looking to learn something.
Thanks again

[skullworks]

I agree with Lin but I would also say that if it is a user it is going to get some scratches any ways and to just look at them as adding character! SOme guys prefer a satin finish because of the scratching problem.

[DANA HOLMAN]

Doug
i'm new at this, but what i do when i'm ready to sharpen the blade is, i use a 600 grit belt on my belt sander, this is done freehanded, when the bevel is where i want it, i then put it on my paperwheel to remove the bur, every one of my knives has come out razor sharp. hope this helps.
dana