Chapter 10: Regrinding and Polishing the Blade

After the heat treatment process, it is time to head back to the grinder to clean off any scale that formed and complete the grind you started. If the knife is intended to have a fine (thin) edge, you should regrind it after tempering. Why? It is because, during the heating process, every thin edge might wrap up. At this point, it is essential not to get your blade hot while grinding because it will ruin the heat treat. So get your water quench and dip it at regular intervals.

If your blade has accumulated many scales, you might have to use a coarse blade to clean it off. However, if the steel is heating up quickly and the blade's scale isn't coming off easily, you can switch to files to remove it. You don't want your steel to get too hot after the heat treatment so that your steel won't overheat and soften. After you have removed all the scales on your blade, don't forget to transition through the finer grits to clean up your grinds for the final time.

Polishing

Polishing your blade will help your knife cut better and create less friction. It will also give your blade an attractive look.

Tip: Do not bother to polish the handle part of your blade because the handle will cover it up, and it will save you some time.

Polishing your blade will cost you a lot of time, so you need to be patient.

●    Use wet sandpaper to polish your knife (You can start with (400) grit sandpaper)

●    Clamp your blade firmly at the tang.

●    Locate your last grind lines. Start sanding at (45°) to these lines.

●    As you polish, switch to an (800) grit sandpaper and change your angle again from another grind line once the other one has been removed.

●    Next, change to a (2000) grit sandpaper and change the angle again with reference to another grind line.

●    You will know when to stop polishing your knife once you see a mirror finish where you can see your reflection. Cool right?