Quote Originally Posted by JimmyHAD View Post
I just never tried the C O on balsa 'cause it worked well enough on the felt.
That's funny Jimmy, I was thinking the same thing, except the other way around - it's worked well enough for me on balsa lol...

I think the appeal of balsa is that it is harder to duff an edge on a non-flexible surface compared to a hanging strop loaded with paste. And it works well too, I might add. Since I've never used felt myself I'll leave it to those more experienced than myself to comment on both

Quote Originally Posted by unit View Post
Yes the more give a surface has the more convex it will impart on the bevels. This is critical to remember while contemplating the pressure you use......

Generally some will migrate away from balsa because it eventually gets mishandled and dented where leather is more forgiving in this regard (as are hardwoods such as oak).
I'm curious as to why you would think this. With a balsa strop a user is using gentle spine-leading strokes, so I'm not sure why it would get dented or be otherwise mishandled?