Mirror Polishing a Knife Blade

Demonstrating how I mirror polish a 440C stainless steel knife blade.

[@christophersenn2236]

Man, I just love seeing old school methods taught by old school artists. You, sir, are a talented guy.

[@Soknik01]

Holy.... This guy is on a whole other level. Holding a perfect angle against a powerful belt sander with no guide is one of those things that looks easy but is next to impossible to accomplish. In a world where nearly all precision work is done with the use of purpose built computer guided machines people with this level of skill are the stuff of legend. So much priceless hard won knowledge in this video.

[@happydude4202]

Yep this bloke is impressive.

[@BusterCapInYoAss]

I believe this is known as "Master Craftsman"

[@shonuff1365]

Almost impossible no matter how careful I am not to slip somewhere

[@yoshyusmc]

@@shonuff1365 exactly! Notice that this master eventually put gloves on. The times I messed my hands up was when I didn't have gloves on!

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Awesome video. I love how you patiently show the knife, hold it in front of the camera, and give the viewer plenty of time to look from different angles. Too many knife makers just flash up the knife for a second then crack on... so you have to keep stopping the vid to take a look. Great video, great skills, +1

[@MrBijeloplavi]

Mr. Carter, this is what I call the perfect job, and you, sir, are a true master of old school! Thank you for this video. Greetings from Croatia :)

[@jdunne1000]

Hi Mike, many thanks for making a great and informative video on the art and hard work involved in polishing knife steel. Appreciated.

[@hussainbinshamsuddin9488]

Probably the best video created to show exactly how to produce a perfect mirror finish. Thank you, sir.

[@Hp2G1]

Great video! The best I have seen so far on this subject. You are really good at sharing your knowledge, and do outstanding work! Thanks.

[@applesworld]

That was a really nice video, and it fully demonstrates why highly polished blades come at premium cost. The amount of skill and time involved explains it all! Thank you for making this video.

[@SpizawkDaKizowz]

Excellent video. What I learned the most from this is the amount of time it takes to polish to a mirror finish. You spent all day - and a long one at that - polishing that knife.

[@gredw6733]

Fantastic video! Very interesting and very well done. Incredible display of skill demonstrated by Mr. Carter. thank you.

[@phibeslives4048]

Looking at my old Buck 119, you'd never guess that it's 440C like the one in your video; you did a marvelous job polishing that blade. I hope to see it at the museum some time.

[@zapbranigan8029]

wow, really appreciate your attention to detail and the work you put in. thank you for the video.

[@gordonreeves5103]

Wow...I was looking for tips to polish my motorcycle parts. I couldn't stop watching. A true master.I bow before you. Now about my exhaust down pipes, lol

[@Sarkar3592]

Gordon Reeves same here bro😀

[@jtscustomcutlery317]

You are a true professional. Great video and excellent work!

[@TheWtfnonamez]

I second that. I just stumbled across Bowiemaker by accident today and I think hes awesome. He can barely finish a sentence without dropping 2 or 3 really useful tips or facts. The guy is dripping with knowledge. Really impressive.

[@ibrahimalnuaimi346]

Outstanding video and workmanship. Lots of prides and attention to details went into that blade.

[@lproctor55]

Great video, it really cleared up some misconceptions for me. I've been doing it the hard way. Thanks a lot and have a good day.

[@Crazyknives]

Woooow 😲, that is Mirror Allright!! No wonder not a lot of people want to do it, and if they do is expensive, thanks for sharing Sr 👍

[@ArturoGarzaID]

Epic! Anyone would appreciate that kind of craftsmanship. Bravo!

[@505reyleonaortega4]

Thanks for the time to teach you truly do beautiful work from one ironworker to another God bless you and yours

[@suryaprakashbellary8773]

Great.I never knew there is so much of toiling to see a knife a good finish leave alone making. Thank you.

[@techblokk8537]

watching this in 2024. i can say this is the best mirror polishing video. ❤

[@dr.douglashepler4736]

Very eloquent, well-spoken. Thanks so much. I learned a lot!

[@RickRabjohn]

Beautiful finish! Lots of work but really looks spectacular... Thanks for sharing your uber expertise!

[@wf8933]

Its always a pleasure to watch master craftsman at work.

[@benjamindejonge3624]

Most kitchen chef doesn’t like mirror polish, but I tell you it cut so much better.

[@djebat88]

Easy to follow. Thnx Mr Carter.

[@mddigger8424]

very beautiful knife.. thank you so much for sharing how you do the mirror polish I always wondered how it was done thanks so much and take care Ran

[@ismailsayah624]

I really can't find the words to describe the awesomeness of this work, greetings from Algeria

[@glytch5]

damn thats a nice polish. I always loved using buffing wheels and strops with compounds. Polishing stuff if just so rewarding to do!

[@thrillbywill]

You sir are a very talented craftsman. Beautiful knife in the works.

[@gdub454]

Man..that turned out to a stunning finish...wow..really nice and well done...

[@timk9700]

Pure artistry .... Thanks Tim

[@Swampfoxflutescom]

Brother, YOU ARE AMAZING!!! Awesome job Sir!

[@COMplinker]

You do great work. Thanks for the video.

[@arronorr4479]

As a beginner in knife making this was truly instructional thankyou so much

[@HeavyMetallHammer]

sir i really enjoy your videos and your work! keep it up!!

[@airramigo4553]

Outstanding work!

[@simonelliott926]

Thankyou for making the video. Very informative and great skills.

[@AdamMargie4ever]

Wow that was a great video and in detail!

[@brutalbrital]

beautiful work mate your a craftsman extraordinaire

[@TexasRay54]

Great Job Mike Carter!!!! you are indeed a Bowie Maker.

[@randybeasock1768]

I work at a chrome plating shop and we sand and buff in house. All types of metals. I've done plenty of stainless knives. They make abrasive compounds for the woven cotton wheels too that you should consider. I stop sanding at 320 and work the rest out on the cotton wheels with finer grit, then to the final buffs with the green compound.

[@MrMZaccone]

Cotton wheels tend to blur your grind lines.

[@jamesfoote8916]

Amazing Thank you so much for sharing your amazing talent.

[@Beettlejuice77]

now that's a man who knows his job

[@SuperDusty111]

Great and informative video! Thanks.

[@chrisvos81]

nice craftsmanship!!very good!!learnd a lot thanks!!

[@regg7364]

Absolutely gorgeous..

[@stevehartkopf5545]

Amazing. Well done Craftsman.

[@daviecrawford3849]

love your work

[@LIE4ME]

Respect that effort and attention to detail.

[@bullridermusic2054]

I can't say enough kind words about your work. Your knives are absolutely amazing and the one you made on video is a true mirror polish to me, sure, there is always someone better but holy crap I hope I can hold your standards some day. I hope one day to do this.

[@brittblack3871]

Thanks for the great video , just what I was looking for

[@thomaschetney990]

He is a Master Awesome vid!!!! I learned a lot Thank You Mr.Carter

[@railroadDon]

great video ,I might not go as far with my finish,but you help ,thank you sir

[@TheRedhawke]

Very nicely done.

[@bobthorn453]

Very good work thanks for sharing and teaching ...RESPECT MAESTRO

[@bridgettevinyard9308]

wow, very nice... thanks for the video.. learned alot!

[@DaveOpoien]

Fantastic work

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

A 5 Star video thank you sir . Cheers

[@mikekielczewski3500]

Thanks so much for your time and video. Very informative. I would like to see the finished knife if possible before you send it to the museum. Keep up the good work!

[@BowieMaker]

You can see the finished knife here: scontent-1.2914.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10574396_676733092405494_329690463929307340_n.jpg?oh=463b756301d753e3d050b1be491464f6&oe=54D7C827 . As it turns out, I did not donate the knife to the museum because the National Knife Museum closed about the time that I finished it. Instead, I donated it to www.kniferights.org as part of their fundraising efforts.

[@mikekielczewski3500]

Awesome thanks for your speedy reply. Can't wait to see it!

[@santanajackson6160]

Man you did a hell of a job with that mirror polish . I started working on blades about 2 years ago . I get worried about blades heating up while buffing because it can throw out the rockwell in the temper which can lead to chips on the edge or edge rolling . I just always keep the blade moving and dont bind to hard on it because the more pressure you put on a blade then the the hotter it would get quicker . im still in training my friend . I been a trim carpenter for 20 years so this working with steel is pretty new to me so any advice is very much appreciated .

[@subhadas5922]

Great video.... I just confused about white compound and green compound... Which is better for smoother finish...... 👍

[@jeffharmed1616]

Is there a particular direction you start with, Mr Carter, or do you just work across the direction of the scratches? OK working on the lower portion of the wheel is understood but at some point you have to polish the main bevel. I ask because I have polished hundred of brass castings but never anything as pointed and with a bevel and an edge such as a knife and I should imagine that a careless move would catch the knife and throw it at your leg.

[@mattbehnke779]

If I am going to polish non stainless steel such as knives I make from railroad spikes or old rasps and files, what should I use instead of the green compound for stainless steel? Should I still use the soft treated wheel for the finishing polish? Also, what type of wheel do you use for the black compound? Thanks

[@thomaschetney990]

Gorgeous Mirror finish

[@MrMickeym0use]

hello sir could i ask what make of buffing machine are you using ( power speed ) thanks for your time cheers john

[@thedougler516]

Great video. True mirror.

[@geek211]

Question about a related project I'm working on. I am going to mirror polish a high-carbon steel knife ( and i understand that's a challenge in and of itself, but) polish then, hot blue or gunsmith blue the polished blade blank in the bluing. then dry cloth polish the finished. I saw a 1911 pistol that that the treatment, and the dark blue shining was really slick google 1911 blued mirror thoughts?

[@chriskelly9653]

Beautiful work. Quick question on buffing compounds . When you use a colour , let’s say white on a wheel can you put other colour compounds on that wheel or is that wheel then only for white compounds ?

[@peterspeets9950]

Beautiful work, thank you for sharing the whole process. I just began polishing knives and I see that you holding the knife in a horizontal position. Other KZbin buffing clips show people who keep the knife in a vertical direction. What is the best way?

[@thedivisionbell220]

Does anyone know how to remove the milkyness left after the buffing wheel? Im bringing my colt 1911 up to a mirror finish, and it looks great but at the right angle, the micro scratches left from the compound are still visible. Thanks.

[@millijr1]

Hi, sorry to bother you. But I have never tried those trizact belts before. Would they work on hi carbon steel. 1095/ o1 those are the two steels I use most in my forge when making my carving tools

[@MonkeyMikeOutdoors]

Question I like to buy condor blanks to make handles for should I just start with 800 to 3000 grit then buff? Thanks. - atb Mike

[@josemolet9524]

A true master at his best !!!!!!

[@zeemixvideos6485]

can i go from 220grit to directly 2000 grit because i don't have a lot of sand paper because i dont have a workshop

[@redsvideoproductions3816]

hey mike great work. i need to polish a sword made from 1060 high carbon steel, should i use the same method as the knife ?? or shuld use water on the belt yo keep the temp. down ??

[@buffi944]

great work

[@jaysaw8151]

best polish ever ...love it

[@gorodph]

Best polish ever? Are you serious? It's not even close to a clean mirror finish.

[@twistedpschyo]

wow great work

[@outdoorlife5396]

I am new to this, if you are using 5160 or 1095, does it going to buff out clear like the SS will? thanks for your answer

[@santanajackson6160]

Im having a hard time with my 5160 spring steel and my 1060 high carbon steel with trying to get a mirror polish on my katanas . I have sandpaper all the way up to 5000 grit and I have a sisal pad for my buffing wheel along with the denim pad and finishing pads for my buffing wheel . I dont want to heat up the steel on my katanas because I dont want to ruin my rockwell or tempering in the steel . I figure that I'll just get it as good as I can and just let it be . if I can get them real close to a mirror polish then I'll be happy .

[@panther325]

I think ill try that.thank you for the video

[@calebgauthreaux1328]

good video, thanks for the info

[@dondavis769]

I know this video is 6 or so years old Robert, but if your still keeping up with it, I would like to know how wide your buffing wheels are, and where you would recommend getting them? Thanks for the share!!

[@joshbonsang7158]

nice work!

[@TufStockdogs]

How does there farrier rasp handles do? Man that is awesome at 800 grit thank you for saying that thank you for these whole sharing of this whole video may I ask how much one of those mirror knives go for? Wow yes I see that very nice great job.

[@mr.9workshop492]

Can anyone tell me if using buffing wheels is work with the katana blade?

[@gregclayton8831]

Where's the secret sauce? You Sir are craftsman at the highest level, i appreciate your knowledge. I have been sanding/polishing for a week with a fraction of your results!

[@ranbar-lev6114]

Hi would you reccomend a similar proccess for 01 steel?

[@williambain2646]

If you have one that is mirror polished, can you change it to a satin finish ?

[@jkershet]

That's awesome!!

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

Do you think I can make this happen on CPM S35VN steel ?

[@goodinplenty1]

Thanks for sharing!

[@NiceTubeAccount]

Well done. I would like to achieve such result with my old kitchen knife but probably never get it.

[@HWPcville]

Very nice finish! Thanks for taking the time so show the process. When you sharpen your blade what grit (or grits) do you use? Is that multi-step process as in polishing or is the sharpening accomplished with one step? Tks.

[@BowieMaker]

It varies a little depending on the type of blade steel, the type of knife and the thickness of the blade but I usually sharpen on the slack part of the belt using 220 grit, followed by 600 grit, and then stropped on a leather belt. Sharpening on a slack belt gives a slightly convex edge.

[@MichaelSmith-cq4zk]

Do you put the edge back on the knife after polishing

[@Neighbor818]

Very nice !!

[@Greyswyndir]

Hey Mike, beautiful blade! It takes a lot of hard work to put out a quality custom product. People really don't understand how many hours go into making a custom knife. If you charged by the hour, the knife would be unobtainable for most customers, so people should never scoff at the price. They should respect the hard work that goes into making a fine piece of craftsmanship like your knife. The work that goes into a custom knife is tremendous, and the customer is getting a quality, hand-made product, forged and made in America. I was wondering, the buffing wheel on your right side looked glazed over with compound. Usually one would take a rake to the wheel, to get all of the old compound and grim off of it. Is there a specific reason you use the wheel like that? We all have our own methods when we work, so I'm sure there's a reason for yours. I was just curious. Great job, and thank you for the demonstration.

[@gulfmarine176]

great job

[@kevp9234]

Lots of patience needed...nice job indeed!