Sandpaper on balsa?

[ncrockclimb]

I tried using sandpaper on a mouse pad today for the first time. It didn't work too well. The only mousepad I could find at BestBuy was SOFT, and I could not get a burr or sharpen the blade no matter what. I went back to my standby (Flexcut Gold compound on cheap thin Flexcut strop) and was able to get shaving sharp in 10 minutes.

I am not done with sandpaper yet since based on what I read it is the best way to sharpen a really dull convex edge. So, in lieu of having a good mousepad could I just mount the sandpaper on balsa?

Also, is 400, 600, 1000, strop a good progression for sharpening my convex O1 and 52100 blades?

Thanks for reading my post and for sharing your experience!!!

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I don't see any reason why balsa wouldn't work for it. I think at times, I've even just wrapped some sandpaper over some balsa blocks I have, for some quick improvised touching up of some of my blades. I'd suggest sticking/gluing the paper to it with glue/temporary adhesive, doublesided tape, etc, as that'll give it a much firmer footing to dig aggressively, and it'll also prevent the paper from lifting & rolling over the apex.

A harder backing will also make the sandpaper work more aggressively (faster), and will tolerate more grinding pressure as well. To learn something new, I'd suggest trying out some other woods & materials for backing, such as basswood and a hardwood like maple or oak, and even stone or glass if you get a chance. The thing to watch with balsa is, it's sometimes soft enough to give or deform under pressure from the blade, so there's still some possibility of rounding over the apex a little bit, if pressing a bit too hard. And because it can deform or dent a bit, it might get a bit bumpy with use and might occasionally need re-sanding to flatten/smooth it again (I noticed this when using balsa for strops).

The grits you mentioned should do fine for maintenance sharpening. If you want or need to reshape the entire convex, some 220/320 will work a bit faster for that.


David

 

[ncrockclimb]

Thanks, David! I really appreciate all your input and advice!

 

[HeavyHanded]

If using sandpaper, put it over the hardest surface you can. Make the shape of the convex by mechanically shifting the edge, not by trusting the surface to deflect to the shape you are trying to hit. Convex on a stone or other hard surface is the way to go. Sandpaper has a great deal to offer as a sharpening media - you might take a look at the block I make (linked through signature below) - the site has a bunch of tips relative to sandpaper sharpening and sharpening in general that could be helpful whether you are interested in buying one or not.