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Grinding and Buffing

Been thinking about getting a Grinder and buffing wheel. Some lower dollar knives, with a little buffing would look really nice. I know that could hurt the value of a knife, but a $10 knife - shouldn't hurt it. For instance, I have about 5 TL-29's, paid 5-10$ for them. They are in real solid shape but the blades are black spotted, I thought with a little buffing, they would make greater carrys. Out to the farm of course.

I am looking at an 8" Grinder (on internet) from Lowes - I think it is a DeWalt for about $115,.

Any suggestions as to Grinding and Buffing.??? Any recommendations as to a Grinder??

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on August 31, 2013 at 9:35

Harbor Freight has some good tools, also. I set up a little shop with electric tools from both stores. Band saw, belt sander, grinder {Wheel}, drill press, etc. I'd buy one every once in a while.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on August 31, 2013 at 9:40

I have lots of power tools, Table saw, etc. Why I never bought a Grinder - I don't know. Now I would like one.

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Permalink Reply by Stephen L. Corley on August 31, 2013 at 12:17

Ken, different compounds need different buffing wheels. You may end up having to buy 3 different ones. To tell the truth, you probably want one wheel for each compound. I strop with Lowes compounds and like them a lot.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on August 31, 2013 at 12:21

Thanks for the tip Stephen, I'll look for those when I go to Lowes.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on September 3, 2013 at 14:04

See, here is what I mean - a knife in bad shape - with the main blade ground with a new point and the rust buffed off, this would make a nice knife. Not valuable but usable. Right?

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on September 3, 2013 at 15:39

Right, I agree. You will be bringing an old knife back to life not trying to fool someone about it for monetary gain. I spoke of this in an earlier discussion. Go for it.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on September 3, 2013 at 16:01

Robert, what was that discussion, I would like to look it up and read it.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on September 3, 2013 at 16:53

Not sure if this is the exact one Ken that Robert had in mind, but here is one: http://www.iknifecollector.com/forum/topics/restore-or-not?commentI...

Ken Spielvogel said:

Robert, what was that discussion, I would like to look it up and read it.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on September 3, 2013 at 16:54

I have two Stephen, they had I think maybe 4? But were out of 2 with no idea when the other two would be back in stock.

Stephen L. Corley said:

Ken, different compounds need different buffing wheels. You may end up having to buy 3 different ones. To tell the truth, you probably want one wheel for each compound. I strop with Lowes compounds and like them a lot.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on September 3, 2013 at 16:58

Absolutely, fix it up and make it look good. It is not a priceless knife that you are going to mark up and sell for $2,000 or even $200.

No for this level knife clean it up and enjoy it or sell or trade for a few extra dollars. Nothing is wrong with that. What people object to is fixing and claiming as new, a high dollar, highly collectible knife.

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on September 3, 2013 at 17:04

Yes Steve, that's the discussion I was talking about. I am not saying that after having a back side scale changed, it is worth as much as one all original but I am able to enjoy my knife now. It was not cleaned just put back together. I am sure it still has good value. We should be honest about any work done to a knife and let a collector make up his own mind about it's value.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on September 3, 2013 at 17:20

I read it and I am leaning from all this. Thanks everyone for the tips. I would never touch one of my Cattaraugus or Robeson, or KaBar Olean NY's or Camillus 4 liners with a buffer or grinder. I love the patina. But this old fish knife, is like was said, good for only throwing away or buffing up and grinding a point. A few other low value knives could use the same. But never a collectible IMO.

Thanks for all the tips. What do others think? Show some you have done this to. What kind of difference can you make? I am looking forward to a good ole imperial fish knife in my pocket once in awhile.

Interesting subject, IMO.