It is hard to polish a knife that has been tempered. That is why I try to do as much of the finishing on my blades before I send them to be hardened. Scandi
knives were traditionaly sold without handles because thrifty guys with not much to do in the winter months did not want to spend the money on something they could do themselves. Even now you can get bare blades from most scandi manufacturers even less traditional ones like Fallkniven. Fallkniven make my favorite stainless blades bar none but the owner is selling due to ill health. Anyone got 10 mill they want to lend me? I have some cool stuff coming in the mail this week ,a scandi blade from Brusletto in laminated carbon steel, a kydex sheath for my SS4 courtesy of Leatherface(thanks again) and most exciting my first Rat an M6. My mailman must think I am in love with him the way I wait for him everyday.