How to prepare balsa strop surface?

[Meliphicent]

Yesterday I picked up a strip of Balsa ($3) and a similar strip of pine ($8???), cut them in half (about 13 inches each piece) and glued the balsa to the pine. I'm looking at the Balsa now and wonderin what I should do to get it level.
The guy @ bunnings told me NOT to sand it as the balsa would "turn into fur".

So I'm wondering guys - how do I prepare the surface of my balsa strop?

inb4 thread search and lmgtfy.com

 

[jtrops]

When you say "level" I'll assume you mean flat. If you sand the balsa it will get fuzzy, but any wood does. It's just that balsa is so soft you see it more. I don't know if fuzzy balsa would be such a bad thing for a strop. I would use a fine grit such as 600 grit, and do it on a piece of glass.

I would try it with the fuzz, but if you don't want it you can remove the fuzz with a furniture scraper. Use very little pressure. The scraper will dig into the balsa with the slightest suggestion.

 

[LarryAndro]

You can flatten with sandpaper placed on a flat surface. I wouldn't worry about the fuzz. Blow it away. Wipe with a cloth. Apply abrasives.