Satin finish?Need opinions(pics added)DONE!!!

[Schmidtster]

Hello everyone. I'm working on my first knife that I'm making from a file. I've sanded out most of my tool marks some I accidentally made a little deep and might stay there for a little rustic look haha. But anyway I was wondering how you get the satin look with really faint lines running the length of the blade? I've seen quite a few like this and was wondering if its just a certain grit or a whole technique? any help is much appreciated. OH and how far into the sanding do I go before I heat treat?

[Lin Rhea]

It's a technique and involves several things that are very doable , it just takes some elbow grease and the right sanding sticks. The thread on Sanding a blade is discussing this technique.

[gables]

Many people sand to 120-220 before heat treat. After heat treat start around 120-220 then progress up to 600 for a satin look. Your final grit should be going the length of the blade and sanded in only one direction, not back and forth.

[Schmidtster]

Awesome sounds good I heat treated today before work did the quench than put it in the welding rod oven for two hours checked it with a file and it was super hard still so back in it went for another two took it out and I can just scratch it. Ran the edge over some brass no knocking or dents cut the brass quite nicely!! Going to finish and handle, just can't decide to cord wrap or wood?

[Schmidtster]

Here it is would like some opinions on whether I should wrap or put wood on it?
 
 
The second one is after Tempering still have to finish

[gudspelr]

Great looking knife and better than my 1st.  For the handle, I guess it just comes down to what you might be using it for and what you like.  Some find a well contoured wood handle more comfortable when using it for a while.  One thing I've found difficult is getting a wood handle to look AND feel good, so your knife might provide a good learning opportunity for the next one in line.  Either way, have fun and post pics   .

Jeremy

[Craig B]

Looking good so far.  I think given the shape of the handle, a wrap would look better than wood.  Thats just my opinion. Go with your gut and post pics of the finished product

[Schmidtster]

Here it is all wrapped up. I was having a hard time getting a nice crisp cutting edge on it think I'll try a diamond stone tonight but other than that it's pretty much finished.
 

[gables]

Great looking knife. Now that it is somewhat sharpened, you should try a brass rod test to evaluate your heat treating. This might help explain the sharpness issue. One thing I have had to learn is making my blades thin enough at the edge before convexing. Many have recommended the edge to be between .020-.030 before convexing. Make sure you also find a way to remove the wire edge after sharpening with a strop or the like.

Here are links that describe the brass rod test.

 http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?8919-Brass-Rod-Test

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/klingenschmiede/4506694199/

[Bill Turner]

I own a knife made by R.O. Easler that has as fine a satin finish as you would ever want to see. Mr. Easler and another South Carolina knifemaker(Ron Gaston) were known for making knives with a wonderful satin finish and outstanding fit. Unfortunately, they are both deceased, but I would expect that there are many knife makers who are familier with their technique and would be willing to share their expertise. Good luck and keep up the good work.