{"product_id":"2-x-72-cork-sanding-belt-6-pack-for-knifemakers","title":"2\" x 72″ Cork Sanding Belt – 6 Pack for Knifemakers","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe last belt a bevel sees before the buffer or the strop is usually cork. An ungritted cork belt carries no abrasive of its own; you load it with a bar of polishing compound and it takes the scratch pattern left by a 600 or 800 grit belt down to a satin-to-mirror pre-polish, without the rounding and heat a loose buff puts into a thin edge. We convert these 2\" x 72\" cork belts in Anaheim, California, from natural cork bonded to a flexible cloth backing, and sell them six to a pack.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey fit every standard 2 x 72 knife grinder and are bought by bladesmiths, knife finishers and small metal shops polishing stainless, steel and aluminum parts on the grinder instead of moving them to a buffing wheel. The same belt, run wet with a cerium or pumice slurry, is also the finishing belt in glass and mirror shops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUngritted natural cork on cloth: a compound carrier, not an abrasive, so it polishes without cutting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemoves the 600–800 grit scratch pattern and leaves a satin-to-mirror pre-polish on steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolishes on the grinder platen, so bevels stay flat and edges stay crisp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFits any 2\" x 72\" belt grinder; run at low-to-medium speed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6-pack lets you dedicate belts to different compounds and metals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConverted in Anaheim, California; ships free on orders over $200\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is an ungritted cork belt and when do you use it?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis listing has one option, \u003cstrong\u003eCork\u003c\/strong\u003e, in one grade, \u003cstrong\u003eUngritted Cork\u003c\/strong\u003e. There is no abrasive grain on the belt. Plain natural cork is bonded to a flexible cloth backing, and the cork does two things: it holds polishing compound in its surface, and it gives slightly under pressure so the compound conforms to the bevel instead of scratching a new pattern into it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUse it after your finest gritted belt.\u003c\/strong\u003e Cork is the step between a 600–800 grit belt and either a buffing wheel or a leather stropping belt. It will not remove 220 grit scratches; it only refines what a fine belt already left.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUse it with compound.\u003c\/strong\u003e A dry, uncharged cork belt rubs and heats. Load it with a stainless or steel polishing bar for knives, an aluminum compound for aluminum, or a cerium\/pumice slurry for glass.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUse it on the grinder, not a buffer.\u003c\/strong\u003e Because the belt runs over a platen, the bevel stays flat and the edge geometry survives. That is the reason knife makers reach for cork instead of going straight to a loose buff.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you want a mirror on a full flat grind, you will still finish on a buff or by hand; cork gets you a uniform, scratch-free satin that makes that last step fast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere does cork sit in the knife finishing sequence?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStage\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBelt\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat it does\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProfiling and bevels\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCeramic 36–60\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHogs steel, sets the grind; needs pressure and speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSetting the grind\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCeramic or zirconia 80–120\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTrues bevels, removes profiling scratches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRefining\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAluminum oxide or ceramic 220–400\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRemoves grind lines, keeps the part cool\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFine finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e600–800 grit belt\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLast gritted step; the pattern cork will remove\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePre-polish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCork + compound\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSatin-to-mirror, flat, cool\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEdge finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLeather belt + fine compound\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStrops the burr off at slow speed, edge trailing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat machines take a 2\" x 72\" cork belt?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2 x 72 knife grinders and belt grinders\u003c\/strong\u003e, including the Grizzly G1015, Bader BIII, Beaumont KMG, Reeder 2x72, AmeriBrade grinder packages and Burr King 960-272. Any grinder that runs a standard 2\" x 72\" belt will run this one.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariable-speed grinders\u003c\/strong\u003e are the best match. Cork wants low-to-medium belt speed; a single-speed grinder at full speed throws compound and heats the blade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGlass and mirror belt sanders\u003c\/strong\u003e in the 2 x 72 size, run wet with cerium oxide or pumice slurry as the final polishing belt.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eMount it like any cloth belt: check the inside for a direction arrow, tension, jog and centre the tracking before charging it with compound. Because the belt is ungritted it tracks a little differently than a coarse belt; adjust once it is up to speed. If your grinder takes a different length, we make custom cork belts to order in about 3 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to get the most out of it\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish the gritted sequence first.\u003c\/strong\u003e Take the blade to 600 or 800 grit with no visible coarse scratches. Cork refines a fine pattern; it cannot rescue a coarse one.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClean and dry the metal.\u003c\/strong\u003e Wipe off grinding dust and oil so grit from the previous belt does not get pressed into the cork and scratch the polish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCharge the belt while it runs slowly.\u003c\/strong\u003e Hold the compound bar against the moving cork for a second or two until the surface is evenly coated. A little goes a long way; a caked belt smears instead of polishing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRun low-to-medium speed and moderate pressure.\u003c\/strong\u003e Let the cork do the work. Excess pressure heats the steel and compresses the cork; too little and nothing happens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeep the blade moving and cool.\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweep the bevel across the belt, spine first, and dip in water between passes. Never let a thin edge change colour.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRe-charge when the cut slows\u003c\/strong\u003e, and dedicate a belt to each compound. Green stainless compound on one belt, aluminum compound on another; mixing them dulls the finish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDry use on metal, wet on glass.\u003c\/strong\u003e For knives run it dry with bar compound. For glass, run it wet with a thin cerium or pumice slurry and keep it damp.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStore belts hanging\u003c\/strong\u003e away from heat and sun so the cork stays supple and the compound does not harden into a glaze.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUse it for \/ don't use it for\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse it for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePre-polishing knife bevels, flats and spines on stainless and carbon steel after 600–800 grit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSatin and mirror polishing on aluminum, stainless and steel parts run on a belt grinder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinal polishing on glass and mirror edges with cerium oxide or pumice slurry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemoving fine belt scratches before a buffing wheel or a leather stropping belt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon't use it for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStock removal or scratch removal below about 600 grit; the belt has no grain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRunning dry without compound on metal or dry against glass; it heats and does nothing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull grinder speed on thin edges; slow down or you will overheat the steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoarse compounds meant for sisal buffs; they load the cork and scratch the finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhich compound goes on a cork belt?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMatch the compound to the metal, and keep one belt per compound.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStainless and carbon steel knives\u003c\/strong\u003e: a stainless steel or steel polishing bar. For a mirror, follow with a finer white or green finishing bar on a second cork belt or on the buff.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAluminum and non-ferrous\u003c\/strong\u003e: an aluminum polishing compound, run at low speed and with light pressure because aluminum loads quickly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGlass and mirror\u003c\/strong\u003e: cerium oxide (or pumice for a cheaper pre-polish) mixed with water to a thin cream and applied to the wet belt.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur metal polishing compound bars and metal polishing kits are listed under Related products below. Residue from bar compound cleans off the blade with a compound remover or a solvent wipe before the final hand rub.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\" wide x 72\" long\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAbrasive material\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCork (ungritted, no abrasive grain)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrit type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUngritted cork\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBacking\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlexible cloth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eJoint\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCheck inside of belt for direction arrow before mounting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUsed with\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBar polishing compound (metal) or cerium\/pumice slurry (glass)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePack quantity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6 belts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWet or dry\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDry with bar compound on metal; wet with slurry on glass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpeed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow to medium; variable-speed grinder recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eConverted in\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnaheim, California\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCustom sizes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOther cork belt sizes made to order in about 3 days\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eIs a 2\" x 72\" cork belt abrasive on its own?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. A 2\" x 72\" cork belt is plain natural cork bonded to cloth with no grit at all. It is a carrier for polishing compound: the cork holds the compound and conforms to the bevel while the compound does the polishing. Run without compound it simply rubs and heats the metal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat grit should I finish at before switching to the cork belt?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eTake the blade to 600 or 800 grit first. Cork with compound removes the fine scratch pattern those belts leave and brings the surface to a satin or near-mirror finish. It will not remove 220 or 400 grit scratches; if you can still see grind lines, go back to a finer gritted belt before charging the cork.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhich compound do knife makers use on a cork belt?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor stainless and carbon steel blades, a stainless or steel polishing bar is the normal charge, followed by a finer finishing bar for a mirror. Use an aluminum compound on aluminum and a cerium oxide or pumice slurry on glass. Keep one belt per compound so the finishes do not contaminate each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eShould I run the cork belt wet or dry?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn knives and other metal, run it dry with bar compound; that is what the belt is designed for. On glass and mirror, run it wet with a thin cerium or pumice slurry and keep the belt damp. In both cases use low-to-medium speed and moderate pressure, and keep the workpiece moving.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWill it fit my 2 x 72 grinder?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. A 2\" x 72\" cork belt fits any standard 2 x 72 belt grinder, including the Grizzly G1015, Bader BIII, Beaumont KMG, Reeder, AmeriBrade and Burr King 960-272 machines. A variable-speed grinder gives the best results because cork wants a slower belt speed than a grinding belt.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat kind of finish does a cork belt leave on steel?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eA smooth, even satin polish with the belt scratches gone, and with a finer compound it approaches a mirror. Because it runs over the platen rather than a loose wheel, the bevel stays flat and the edge stays crisp. Most makers follow cork with a buffing wheel or a leather stropping belt for the final edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow many belts come in a pack and can I get bulk pricing?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach pack contains six 2\" x 72\" ungritted cork belts. Orders over $200 ship free. Knife shops and glass shops that go through cork belts in volume can request bulk and case pricing by calling 714-646-3299 or emailing sales@maverickabrasives.com.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRelated products and guides\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/knife-making\"\u003eKnife making belts and supplies\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/2-x-72-sanding-belts-for-wood-aluminum-stainless-steel-steel-sanding\"\u003e2\" x 72\" Sanding Belts for wood, aluminum, stainless and steel\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/2-x-72-leather-belt\"\u003e2\" x 72\" Leather stropping belt\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/metal-polishing-compound-bars\"\u003eMetal polishing compound bars\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/custom-sanding-belts-any-size-made-in-about-3-days\"\u003eCustom sanding belts made to order in about 3 days\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is a 2\\\" x 72\\\" cork belt abrasive on its own?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. A 2\\\" x 72\\\" cork belt is plain natural cork bonded to cloth with no grit at all. It is a carrier for polishing compound: the cork holds the compound and conforms to the bevel while the compound does the polishing. Run without compound it simply rubs and heats the metal.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What grit should I finish at before switching to the cork belt?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Take the blade to 600 or 800 grit first. Cork with compound removes the fine scratch pattern those belts leave and brings the surface to a satin or near-mirror finish. It will not remove 220 or 400 grit scratches; if you can still see grind lines, go back to a finer gritted belt before charging the cork.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Which compound do knife makers use on a cork belt?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"For stainless and carbon steel blades, a stainless or steel polishing bar is the normal charge, followed by a finer finishing bar for a mirror. Use an aluminum compound on aluminum and a cerium oxide or pumice slurry on glass. Keep one belt per compound so the finishes do not contaminate each other.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Should I run the cork belt wet or dry?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"On knives and other metal, run it dry with bar compound; that is what the belt is designed for. On glass and mirror, run it wet with a thin cerium or pumice slurry and keep the belt damp. In both cases use low-to-medium speed and moderate pressure, and keep the workpiece moving.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Will it fit my 2 x 72 grinder?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. A 2\\\" x 72\\\" cork belt fits any standard 2 x 72 belt grinder, including the Grizzly G1015, Bader BIII, Beaumont KMG, Reeder, AmeriBrade and Burr King 960-272 machines. A variable-speed grinder gives the best results because cork wants a slower belt speed than a grinding belt.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What kind of finish does a cork belt leave on steel?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A smooth, even satin polish with the belt scratches gone, and with a finer compound it approaches a mirror. Because it runs over the platen rather than a loose wheel, the bevel stays flat and the edge stays crisp. Most makers follow cork with a buffing wheel or a leather stropping belt for the final edge.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How many belts come in a pack and can I get bulk pricing?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Each pack contains six 2\\\" x 72\\\" ungritted cork belts. Orders over $200 ship free. Knife shops and glass shops that go through cork belts in volume can request bulk and case pricing by calling 714-646-3299 or emailing sales@maverickabrasives.com.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Maverick Abrasives","offers":[{"title":"Cork \/ Ungritted Cork","offer_id":50434667577584,"sku":null,"price":36.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/5130\/7367\/files\/maverick-abrasives-silicon-carbide-50-grit-1-1-8-x-21-glass-fabrication-sanding-belt-80-pack-7457099153511_7b1dfbe0-d3f6-4300-8c88-15958733eecb.jpg?v=1750450531","url":"https:\/\/www.maverickabrasives.com\/products\/2-x-72-cork-sanding-belt-6-pack-for-knifemakers","provider":"Maverick Abrasives","version":"1.0","type":"link"}