Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible abrasive article for grinding or polishing and a method for making the same. The flexible abrasive article has a fabric substrate and at least one abrasive layer provided thereon. The abrasive layer is a composite with an adhesive binder in which diamond particles and metal particles are distributed to form an interpenetrating array of diamond particles and metal particles. It is preferred that the metal particles be about equal to or coarser than the size of the diamond particles. It is still further preferred that the abrasive layer include a distribution of non-metallic filler particles interspersed with the diamond particles and the metal particles. The method of making the flexible abrasive article described above can be accomplished by selecting a fabric substrate, preparing an abrasive coating mixture by first mixing a resin with a volatile carrier, second mixing in the particulate components, and applying the mixture to the substrate in one or more layers.