Polishing on the cheap

Hey all,
looking for some advice on polishing to near mirror on the cheap.
I already have 800 grit wet/dry paper and 2000 grit automotive,
what would be the best next set of abrasives?
3M polishing pads?
DMT diamond paste syringes?

I really don't know much about this stuff so appreciate the advice for what you all have found works well specifically for japanese kitchen knives (all carbon right now btw)

thanks!

Micromesh pad progression

micro mesh polishing pads

I think well of the micro mesh products, esp the mx(?) pads for metal polishing. Don't know that they meet the "cheap" part of the requirement though.

The "rust eraser" products will give a good start on mirror finish. Followed by 2000 wet/dry and you're got a decent polish on the cheap. Until of course you cut something. I've had good results with semichrome or flitz when I want to go to next level, a tube is not cheap but will last a long time.

On the cheap: use some worn sandpaper and add a bit of stone mud.

What DaveB said: Flitz applied with 00 steel wool.

thanks dudes!
gonna try to use slurry from my kitayama on worn 2000 grit sandpaper today. maybe invest in the micro mesh later.

+1 to flitz. I think 2000 grit sandpaper is good enough to continue with flitz afterwards