What grit to go to

[tommy the cat]

Well about to start the scales on the new knife and was wondering what grit paper to sand to?
Seen conflicting advice on this but thought I would ask.
I guess it may depend on diff factors ....?
Ta Dave

 

[weaver]

Start the scales or finish the scales?

If starting I sand to about 120 on the back so the glue has a good hold and about 220 on the finish side to begin with.

After the first few coats of oil I go to 220, 400 and 600, add a few more coats then another sanding at 600, a few more coats then a very light rub with 0000 Steel Wool and a final coat of wax.

Some people like to have more "grip" on the grip so you may stop at 220 or 360 and fewer coats of oil.

 

[Shinken]

If its a using knife there isnt much point going beyond 360 grit apart from austhetics. It's more inmportant to make sure you have a true finish at any given grit. ie make sure you have all the scratches removed from the previous grit before moving onto the next.

I use CCL oil so i go to 400 grit and then follow the ccl oils instructions.

Hope this helps!

as you can see different people have different preferences it's best to experiment and find your own preference that works for you!

 

[tommy the cat]

Ta clipped these for future reference.Dave

 

[Jedadiah]

Also depend on what material you are using for scales. When finishing this Micarta i used 12000 to give it a highly polished finish. However, it's not slick or slippery. Maybe it's because it's canvas Micarta i don't know, but it look's lovely and stays in your hand like a certain substance to a specific item of bed dressing!