Quote Originally Posted by binder View Post
I have a question about the micron compared to grit.
I read the wiki:
Formulae For Converting Between Grit and Microns - Straight Razor Place Wiki
but other places give a different rating such as:Lee Valley Tools - Important Announcement

My questions are:
What do the microns 5 and 1 work out to in grit?
How would a person apply the non psa film to a surface?

Is there a good place to order single sheets?

Thanks for advice
I have 2000 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper, and 5 micron microabrasive sheets, side-by-side. The 2000 grit is rougher than the 5 micron under a 10x loupe, and it feels rougher "by hand".

Lee Valley Tools (Canada) will sell single sheets -- I think they're available in the US.

Also "Tools for Working Wood" --

3M Micro Abrasive Film for Scary Sharpening - PSA at Tools for Working Wood


I made some 3"x 9" bases of lucite, glued to plywood. I take a 3" x 9" piece of paper, and tape it down (with electrical tape) to one end of the base. I put the base on non-slip rubber shelf liner to stop it from sliding around.

I found that, if I taped down both ends of the paper, I'd have a "bunch-up" of paper after it got wet, and my razor's edge would be wrecked. So I only tape down one end (nearest me), and do all strokes away from my body. Four strokes, flip the razor left-to-right, four more strokes.

People also use contact adhesive to glue the sandpaper, and abrasive sheets, down. Use a very thin layer -- otherwise, you'll get bumps.

FWIW (I'm still starting out):

2000-grit paper,
followed by 5 micron microabrasive sheet,
followed by 0.5 micron CrOxide (from Lee Valley) on a cloth strop,

seems to give a sharp edge. I wish I had some 2 micron sheets, but I can't find any for sale.

Charles