Hello, I'm New to the Metalworking World, but I Have a Big Interest in DIY Projects and Restoration.

I Have an Old Machete That I Would Like to Refurbish. Its a Full Tang with a Rubber Handle, Painted Black on the Blade. I Want to Completely Restore the Blade, Remove All Paint and Scratches, Bring It to a Shine and Do Some Light Acid Etching to Make It Look Unique Then Finally Build a New Handle. My Question Is: How Do You Bring Steel to a Mirror Like Shine? I've Already Started by Using High Grit Sandpaper, and a Polish Compound but I Would Like to Know if There Is a More Effective Way. Thanks!