Got a bit better hand finish on it. I used 500 grit Silicon Carbide powder mixed with mineral oil and worked up 240, 320, 400, 600 sandpaper with a thin foam backer on cork. Then I used some thicker foam on a popsicle stick and 600 paper and 1200 AO powder with mineral oil and then used 800 and 2000 grit paper, again with the 1200 AO powder and mineral oil to smooth out the surface. It gives a matte 600 grit finish instead of a shiny handrub, so it kinda mimics a stone finish.
You can see the hollow vs convex grind in the pic, too.
I taped off the blade and traced my 240mm Richmond AS Laser profile. There is a hump on the spine halfway down the blade, so I am going to make it closer to the Richmond/Kurosaki profile and clean up the heel
After profiling, it's on to the handle! I leave the tang wide until the blade is fully done for leverage purposes.
This blade is available, so I may leave the final handle up to its new owner! I will prob put a simple test handle on it to try it out with some ingredients first.
Shoot me a message if anyone is interested! Depending on the handle, it will probably be in the $500-$550 range end price.
