knife buffing?

[steve]

hey,

i was wondering if anyone could tell me what i would need to buff out knives? for instance, what kind of buffing tool?, what kind of buffing compound and where it can be purchased? and anything else that would help me.

thanks,
steve

[agteacher2]

Steve,

I'm no expert on how or what, but I have ordered supplies from these guys

http://www.texasknife.com/

and also from

http://knifemaking.com/

They are both very helpful and should be able to get anything you should need

hope this helps,
Jeff

[CCBill]

Hi, Steve.
PLEASE be careful what you buff. I have seem a LOT of good, old knives, that were ruined, just because somebody thought they would look better, if they were shiny.
When you get ready to start, take an old kitdhen knife or something similsr and practice on it.Learn how to hold it, how much pressure it takes, etc. to get the desired result, without rounding off the square edges, or polishing the tang stamp off. There is an art to buffing. I am very selective about my used knives. If I decide to sell a knife that I buffed, it may harder to sell it, because the prospective buyer might not like the way I buffed it.
I normally just clean off all the rust and gunk and put a good edge on it.
Just my humble opinion. I'm sure everybody has there own thoughts on this topic....Bill...

[steve]

thanks guys, i appreciate the information from both of you. i have checked out the links given and will definitely check them out more thoroughly as well.

bill, i understand what you are saying completely. thats what im interested in learning........what kind of tools (brand names and what to look for) and materials i would need to get started.

there is a guy at the local flea market that sells knives and he has some old ones that he gets buffed. they are done really well, so much so that you can hardly tell it. i have asked him about it, but he has someone else do it and he doesnt know much about the process. i would like to learn it tho. i would never start out on a high dollar piece or anything but thought if i can find out what i need i would do exactly as you said bill and practice on some kitchen knives or cheaper knives until i learn the factors you spoke of such as how to hold the knife, pressure, etc.

anyway, again, thanks guys i really appreciate the info and advice and if anyone can tell me what i need such as what kind of buffing tools and materials, i would appreciate it. i probably sound kind of dumb....lol, but i have looked around and there is alot of buffing supplies out there and i dont want to waste my money on the wrong items...lol, so if anyone out there could point me in the right direction, that would be great!

thanks again guys!
steve

[jimisides]

This is how I learned to buff. I bought a 6" grinder, one of those with two shafts (or if you already have one use it.) and bought two 6" buffing wheels and a pack of various buffing compounds at Sears. Then I replaced one of the grinding stones with both of the buffing wheels (be sure there are large washer-like retainers on each side of the wheel. Then I started with rouge because its not as abrasive as the others. After you put the rouge on the wheel, you're ready to buff. I wear leather work gloves as the knives can get quite hot. Be careful and good luck!

[steve]

hey jim,

thanks for the info. i will have to try that. i already have the grinder, just need the buffing wheels and compounds and a few cheap knives to try it out on...lol. anyway, i am going to see if i can teach myself too. thanks again for the info.

steve