Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Knife Polisher Assistant

💰 $18 - $25 per hour

ManufacturingSkilled TradesProductionCraftsmanship

🎯 Role Definition

As a Knife Polisher Assistant, you are a crucial artisan in our manufacturing process. You will work under the guidance of senior polishers to learn and master the art and science of metal finishing. This role involves operating specialized polishing and buffing equipment to transform raw, machined blades into beautifully finished products. Success in this position requires a keen eye for detail, exceptional manual dexterity, and a deep commitment to quality. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to develop a highly sought-after skilled trade within a company that values precision and craftsmanship above all else.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Production Worker
  • Manufacturing Associate
  • Workshop Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Senior Knife Polisher / Finisher
  • Finishing Department Lead / Supervisor
  • Quality Assurance Inspector

Lateral Moves:

  • Metal Grinder / Deburring Technician
  • CNC Machine Operator
  • Tool and Die Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Skillfully operate a variety of stationary and handheld polishing machines, including buffing wheels, belt sanders, and lapping equipment, to refine knife blades and handles to exact specifications.
  • Perform detailed, multi-point visual and tactile inspections throughout the finishing process to identify and correct imperfections such as scratches, pits, burrs, and inconsistencies.
  • Select the appropriate polishing compounds, abrasives, belts, and buffing wheels based on the specific metal type, desired finish (e.g., satin, bead-blasted, mirror), and stage of the polishing process.
  • Meticulously maintain consistency in finish, texture, and quality across large batches of products, ensuring absolute uniformity from the first piece to the last.
  • Interpret and execute detailed work orders, production schedules, and technical specifications to achieve precise finishes as required for different product lines.
  • Employ safe and precise handling techniques for extremely sharp blades and delicate components at all times to prevent personal injury and avoid product damage.
  • Carefully remove burrs, sharp edges, and machine marks from stamped, forged, or laser-cut knife parts as a preparatory step before the main polishing stages.
  • Develop proficiency in polishing various types of steel (e.g., stainless, carbon, Damascus) and other materials like titanium, brass, and synthetics used in knife construction.
  • Consistently work to meet and exceed daily and weekly production quotas while upholding the highest, uncompromised standards of quality and craftsmanship.
  • Execute intricate hand-polishing and finishing techniques using files, stones, and abrasive cloths for hard-to-reach areas, custom pieces, or final touch-ups.
  • Assist senior polishers in making minor adjustments to ensure blades are properly centered and straightened after the grinding and heat-treating processes.
  • Carefully rack and unrack knife components for batch processing, ensuring proper orientation and spacing to achieve a uniform and consistent finish.
  • Thoroughly clean and degrease blades and components between polishing stages to prevent cross-contamination of abrasives and ensure a flawless final surface.
  • Actively monitor the performance and sound of polishing equipment, identifying and reporting any unusual noises, vibrations, or performance degradation that may indicate a need for maintenance.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe personal work station, including the proper storage of tools, disposal of used materials, and regular cleaning of machinery.
  • Accurately document production metrics as required, including the number of units completed, time per task, and quantities of any rejected or reworked parts.
  • Assist in managing and tracking the inventory of essential polishing supplies, such as compounds, belts, and wheels, and proactively notify the department lead when stock levels are low.
  • Strictly adhere to all company and OSHA safety guidelines, including the mandatory and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, aprons, and respirators.
  • Actively participate in team huddles, safety meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives, providing valuable feedback on processes and potential efficiency gains.
  • Provide support to the maintenance team during routine preventative maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs of polishing and finishing equipment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Experience or familiarity with operating buffing wheels, belt grinders, and other metal finishing machinery.
  • Basic knowledge of different metal types (especially steel) and how they react to various abrasives and finishing techniques.
  • Ability to use precision measuring tools such as calipers and protractors to check work against specifications.
  • Understanding of manufacturing safety procedures and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols.
  • Aptitude for basic machine setup, calibration, and routine maintenance (e.g., changing belts and wheels).
  • Ability to read and accurately interpret work orders, basic blueprints, and production documents.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail with a keen eye for identifying subtle flaws and imperfections.
  • Excellent manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and a steady hand for precise, repetitive work.
  • Strong work ethic and the ability to maintain focus and a consistent pace in a production environment.
  • Physical stamina to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive motions.
  • A deep commitment to quality, safety, and doing the job right the first time.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a cohesive team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational or Technical School Certificate in Metalworking, Machining, or a related industrial trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Metal Fabrication
  • Industrial Technology
  • Machining

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0-2 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or workshop environment.

Preferred:

  • 1+ years of direct, hands-on experience in a role involving metal finishing, grinding, sanding, deburring, or polishing is highly desirable.
  • Previous experience in the cutlery, firearms, jewelry, or automotive restoration industries is a significant plus.
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