3M Cubitron III Cloth Sharpening Belt 1184F

The Next Generation of Heavy Metal Removal

When 3M dropped the official specs on the new Cubitron™ III Cloth Belt (1184F), I couldn't ignore the numbers. I haven't had the chance to run these through my own bench testing series yet, but based on 3M’s engineering data.... boasting up to an 86% faster cut rate over classic ceramic abrasives, yeah.... I knew I had to get them on the shelf for those who want to explore the future of sharpening belts with me. 

Featuring 3M's fully re-engineered Precision-Shaped Grain (PSG), the Cubitron III is built to tackle the toughest jobs on the bench: reprofiling broken tips, grinding out deep chips, and structural thinning on high-hardness super steels.

Why 3M Engineered the Cubitron III:

• Re-Engineered Precision-Shaped Grain: Designed with a sharper, triangular ceramic structure that continuously fractures into razor-sharp points as it wears—slicing through tough steel instead of plowing or rubbing.

• Cool-Running Thermal Control: Formulated to run cooler under pressure, helping reduce heat buildup and protecting temper on critical blade edges.

• Aggressive, Low-Pressure Cutting: Designed to bite into hard metal with less physical effort, saving operator fatigue during heavy grinding sessions.  I'm excited to put this to the test. 

• Heavy-Duty Backing: Built on a durable cloth backing designed for maximum edge stability during intense profiling work.

Recommended Workflows & Grit Options:

• 60+ Grit (Reprofiling & Bevel Shaping): Ideal for setting clean profile lines, refining heavy grinding marks, and shaping primary bevels on wear-resistant super steels.

• 80+ Grit (Bevel Refinement & Heavy Sharpening): Perfect for establishing clean initial apex bevels on thick stock, blending coarse scratch patterns, and prepping edges for fine abrasive progressions.

Technical Specs:

• Model: 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Cloth Belt 1184F

• Abrasive Type: Re-Engineered Precision-Shaped Ceramic Grain

• Backing: Heavyweight YF-Weight Polyester Cloth

• Target Steels: High-Carbide Super Steels (CPM M4, 15V, Rex 121, S110V), Tool Steels, Carbon Steel, and Stainless.