The new york show is a nice show, I know some of the people you talked
to just by your description.

You also have to consider the relatively primitive tools we knifemakers
use. Most use a 2x72 belt grinder a drill press a buffer and assorted
hand tools like files and saws.

I cut handguard slots with a drill, a jewelers saw and finish with a
small file. I rough grind the bevels on my blades with the belt grinder
and flatten them out by draw filing. When I polish my blades I hand rub
with wet dry sc paper wrapped around a micarta block. I start with 240
then work my way through 320, 400, 600, 1000 and then lightly buff with
a red compound on a hard felt wheel. When done you have a near mirror
finish with no distortion due to high or low spots.