Question on finishing knife handles

[hayshaker]

is it best to file and hand sand shape&profile on handles vs beltsanding.
crash jusy how do you get that look on your knife handles. i start from raw stock and work it from there.
i just hauled in my drill press and bench saw to my shop.i have some real purdy black walnut almost like burl.
and i dont want to ruin it. mabey i'm just rushing things a bit any ideas.

[crashdive123]

For my handles I start with the slack belt portion of a 1 X 30 belt sander progress through 80, 120, 220 and 400 grit belts. I then hand sand any scratches still in it using 220, 400 and 600 grit sand paper. Finish with a few passes on the buffer with white buffing compound.

[MrFixIt]

I used to use a belt sander till it gave up the ghost.
I now use dowel rods and flat pieces of wood with sand paper contact glued onto them.