The grinder
Two-inch belt, infinite patience.
The machine that finishes
Forging gets the shape; the grinder gets the edge. A 2×72 belt grinder is the smith's secret weapon — aggressive enough to hog steel, fine enough to leave a mirror.
The belts
36 grit rough grinding, remove stock 120 grit establish the bevel 400 grit refine, remove scratches cork the final polish
Keep it cool
Heat is the enemy at the grinder. Dunk the blade constantly — if it blues, you've drawn the temper and ruined the edge you quenched. Slow, cool, patient.