Hal,
Good suggestion but I do think the leather itself has more give than the balsa. I am beginning to think the secret of the balsa is in the open pores moe than it's give. I have used thick leather and thin leather on a hard surface for stropping yet balsa is different. I just think it holds the pastes differently.

I am going to make up some of the Cushion hones and will gladly offer substitutes in materials if they are wanted, ie..red finish leather, natural for paste, cushioned or not, etc....

Tony