Buffing a Case XX 1940 Canoe

[Treejakal]

I have a Case XX Canoe that has some blade issues. I don't know if it is the beginning of tarnish or if it is the result of someone trying to buff it out and not doing a good job.

I am trying to decide whether to leave it or do a better job of buffing. If it is natural I think I should leave it alone, however if it has already been attempted and I feel I can do a better job then I may go for it.

Help me out , what would preserve the most value.

This is my first time I hope the attachments came through

[Treejakal]

I will try again with a pic. I'm trying to do this from a cell phone

[gsmith7158]

It looks like it has been buffed judging from the rounded top edge of the master. I would practice on a few beaters before you try to clean that one though and no power tools. Elbow grease only with wet dry fine grit sandpaper. Start with 1000 grit, 1500, 2000 then finish with 2500.

[Treejakal]

Thanks I will double check that edge and then take your advice. I only have up to 2000 grit I will look for 2500

[gsmith7158]

Thanks I will double check that edge and then take your advice. I only have up to 2000 grit I will look for 2500

Walmart has it in the auto section. They even have some 3000 but it's more expensive and I can't tell much difference.

[TripleF]

I agree.....looks like it's been buffed/polished.
It'll take some work to bring it to a mirror shine, keep us posted!

[btrwtr]

1000 grit is a pretty fine grit to start with and looking at the knife pics it will take quite a while to get an initial flat surface on the blade. Maybe a 320 or 400 and work your way up from there. I think it is always best to cross sand as you change grits. Make sure to back the sandpaper with a true flat surface for best results. Normally if I sand out to 1200 grit I can then get a very good mirror finish buffing with a 2000 grit pink no scratch rouge on a 10" unsewn muslin wheel.

[royal0014]

That 'was' a beautiful knife.
I would recommend mucho practice on some junk beater knives before attempting anything on that canoe.

Better yet, hook up with one of our amazing mechanics here on AAPK .. . ..

[Treejakal]

Well it was a HOT day so I spent some time in the cellar to stay cool.
Thanks to all, I took your advice and since it had been attempted before I felt I couldn't lose by trying to make it better. I went 400, 600, 800, 1200, 1500, and 2000 then a little on a polishing wheel. I finished it off with a new edge with a couple of swipes on a sharpening stone. Thanks btrwtr for the straightedge recommendation it helped to keep the edge square. I have included before and after shots for any one interested.

[jerryd6818]

Nice job. That made a world of difference.

[gsmith7158]

Very nice treejakal. BRAVO!

[Colonel26]

Extra good! When you first posted this I cringed at the thought of anyone doing more sanding than had already been done. But looking at your pics, I must say you did great. Well done.

[btrwtr]

Well Done!

[royal0014]

I stand corrected.

Snazzy !

[bighomer]

great job.