All About Pocket Knives

What buffer, pads, compounds and accessories do you recommend for pocket knives, axes, and machetes?

I'm interested in learning about this as well.

TripleF wrote:I'm interested in learning about this as well.

+2

I'll get this started...

For a buffer, I recommend a slower speed such as 1800rpm. Most of the buffers out there are 3600rpm, and can be dangerous. Baldor makes a great one, but others can be found a little cheaper, depending on your budget.

Glenn

Thanks Glenn, What HP would you recommend for the 1800 rev Baldor?

I have been doing a little research on these, I am going to order this setup and get away from my cheap import buffer. This comes with everything you need and is 2 speed, 1800 & 3600.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... MEWAX%3AIT

I have a Jet, 1700 RPM, 1 HP. About $200 four years ago.

It works well but they replaced it under warrenty about 4 times in 2 years.
I finally figured out it was the switch ($4.00 item) and bought a better switch and replaced it myself.
Still sunning strong.

It is a great buffer, very smooth, but nothing is as smooth as a Baldor.
But for for $200 as opposed to $600-$700 (for the Baldor) I am very happy.

I use mostly 6" and 8" buffs. The 10" ones have a pretty high FPS rate.
It is moving too fast for most of what I want to do.

Thanks IYAAYAS, Checked out web site you mentioned. Baldor is a little pricey but what a beautiful set up.

Hi IYAAYAS, That 2 speed looks real good, seems Baldor recommends 3600 rpm for stainless steel and other metals. The Baldor 3/4 HP 2 speed, 8inch pads with 3/4 inch center, 67 lbs all for $519.95 at buschshineproducts. Thanks

I'm pretty low tech when it comes to buffing. I have a delta bench grinder with 2 medium/loose wheels and can get by with matchless white and zam but there are loads of others that have thier appropriate uses and I use them often.

I have a Baldor with some age to it and a brand new Craftsman, but both run at about 3500 rpm. I've left them that way but made sure to make my belt grinder speed adjustable. The Baldor is a hoss, but I have to admit to being impressed with the Craftsman. You can lean in to it pretty hard and I've never had it offer to even slow down on me. Once a fella learns how NOT to hold a knife against a high-speed buffing wheel, you've got most of the safety issues out of the way. Hold it the wrong way and any knife becomes a high-speed projectile that you do not want to be around. An eBay search for "AC motor speed control" will turn up a lot of ways to adjust your motor speed and the most expensive isn't necessarily the best. Mine was around $20 and works just fine.

The buffing wheels from most hardware stores work well as long as the stitching is 1/4" apart or closer, but the wider (1 1/2" or so) wheels make the work easier. Also, learning which color buffing compound goes for what job can be a time saver that also improves the quality look of your knives. The knife supplier's web sites should explain the differences. Best of luck!