I use Norton abrasives almost exclusively. Orange Ceramic Blaze and Grey Norax. Grits on the heavy Blaze vary between 40-50-60 depending on what's in stock, they all perform roughly the same and will strip the grit at first if you're profiling. I go to a Blaze 100 at times, or skip directly to a 100x (220 grit) micron Norax, then 45x, 15x, then a worn 15x with white compound on it. I hand sand with 220 through 2000 grits with the black wet/dry Ali-gator grit paper from ACE currently although there are better choices for that. For a satin finish I like a non-woven scotchbrite type belt from various manufacturers, usaknifemaker.com has all the stuff you'll need in a single stop. As for speed, I have the 3 speed pulley KMG and run it wide open at times, medium speed for things that will burn, and on the lowest for fragile handle materials.