Thread: Balsa Paddle Strop - Applying Dry Honing Compounds?

Just getting started out and I am thinking of building my own two sided paddle strop with balsa surfaces.

I will also be purchasing a hanging strop for use pre-shave.

For a first go I plan on using 3/4" plywood (good both sides) cutting in a handle and attaching balsa.

Likely shoot for ~3" x 12" + handle length. Will see how true of a piece of ply I can get though.
I may use extruded aluminum chanel if the plywood isn't flat enough. That should be extremely flat and quite cheap still.

Once I have this constructed I was looking at the HandAmerica:
Dry Chromium Oxide 0.5 micron Approximate 60,000 American Standard Grit - Mohs Rating: 8.5
Dry Boron Carbide (Black Diamond) 1.8 micron Approximate 11,000 American Standard Grit - Mohs Rating: 9.5

What is the best application method on balsa for these?

Just rub it in dry (how much) or mix it with something to apply (sounds like two pea sized dollops per side; twice for a mixed version)?

Thanks!
-Geoff

Make sure you lap the balsa before you paste it.

There's a thread around here somewhere the last day or so about mixing dry abrasives for strops.

Any suggestions on how to lap it?

I would expect some fine sandpaper adhered to glass would work?

Thanks
-Geoff

Originally Posted by mparker762

Make sure you lap the balsa before you paste it.

There's a thread around here somewhere the last day or so about mixing dry abrasives for strops.

Tape it down or something, or just hold it down with your hands. You don't want to wet it, because the water will swell the wood unevenly and it won't be flat when it dries. Use wet sandpaper for lapping hones, not wood.

I use an artificial marble tile from home depot, it cost something like $3 or so, and is very flat, somebody here tested one with a deflection meter and they're about as flat as you'll ever need, and the right size for lapping hones and stuff.

I got smooth granite for about $6. Costs more but looks pimp

If you can, try it dry first. That way you will minimize that chances for problems that oil or water may bring about. My second choice would be oil.

Just my two cents,