Abstract: A process for making a soft, strong cellulosic sheet weighing from about 2 to about 15 pounds per 2880 sq. ft., comprising selectively treating a face surface of a cellulosic fibrous web with a dilute aqueous solution of a chemical debonding agent in an amount effective to soften a surface zone of the web proximate the treated face surface, whereby a composite strong zone/soft surface zone structure results, with the soft surface zone thereof including the treated face surface and being from about 10 to about 40% of the total thickness of the web, and with the strong zone being effectively untreated by the agent. The cellulosic sheet made by this process is characterized by a strong inner surface zone of from about 50 to about 90% of the total thickness of the sheet, and a soft and pleasing-to-the-touch outer surface zone comprising the remainder of the thickness of the sheet.