Newbie with EV-4N1- help!

[manicreader]

This is my 1st kit. The blade looks like it might be lightly bead-blasted, and I thought it would look better smooth. Two questions:

1. Should I start with 400 grit paper?

2. Does the thumb stud come out (removeable)? If so, I can't see how.

Also working on two aalb's. It's starting to seem like alot at once .

[justice]

first off welcom to ckdf.

400 grit should be good

the thumb stud does come out you just have to heat it up a bit to loosen the loctite that is used to secure it. this is a quote from the faq page on knifekits.com

"Question: I want to remove the pre-installed thumbstuds. How?
Answer: To remove your thumbstuds, take a piece of metal (approx. 1/4 round or square), then use a torch to heat the rod up to a dull red glow. After heating the rod, hold it on the thumbstuds (you may have to do this a few times on each side) to release the Loctite adhesive. Take two sets of pliers with tape on their jaws (this is so the jaws do not scratch the thumbstuds!). Grab the thumbstuds with the pliers and try to loosen them carefully. This process may have to be repeated several times to get the thumbstuds loose, but will work with patience.
"

but i have read that a soldering iron will work quite the same althow i have not tryed it yet.

hope that helps...justin