Abstract: A flexible hand-held abrasive article includes a conformable backup pad having opposed major surfaces, a backing layer affixed to one surface of the backup pad, the backing layer containing a plurality of biaxially oriented openings, and abrasive particles arranged on the backing layer, thereby defining an abrasive surface. A method of making such an abrasive article is also disclosed. The abrasive article may also comprise a backing layer containing a plurality of biaxially oriented slits with abrasive particles arranged at least one surface of the backing layer.