Other than cost, is there an advantage to having a pasted strop made of rough side out leather to balsa wood?
Both strops would be of the same size, backed with stable hardwood (oak or maple) and using the same paste. :nj
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Other than cost, is there an advantage to having a pasted strop made of rough side out leather to balsa wood?
Both strops would be of the same size, backed with stable hardwood (oak or maple) and using the same paste. :nj
Stefan,
Typically, balsa strops are reserved for fine grit final polishing (i.e. 0.25 micron diamond paste), smooth leathers for slightly coarser grits (~0.5 - 1.0 micron) and rough or suaded leather for coarse abrasive pastes.
That said, I've used balsa for CrO2 paste (0.5 micron) with good results--but I like smooth leather better.
In general, the balsa strop will be harder, smoother, and have significantly less draw than leather (smooth or coarse). It is also easier to damage, but easier to repair as well.
My suggestion is to match the tool to your intended use...then continue experimenting until you find what fits you best.
Cheers,
Ed
Yeah, what Ed said !
Just another data point
Tony <g>
I was thinking the same thing, but now you confermed my thoughts.
Tony, by the way , no BS, I ordered one of your Heirloom Horsehide/Latigo 3 1/4" Paddle stropes afew weeks ago, A TOP SHELF PRODUCT, nothing else I can add. :tu :tu :tu