I've not had issues like this with the surface getting slick but I've had an issue with the striker tips getting "gummed" up so to speak. Hit the end of it with some scotch brite or use the pocket nice as mentioned before. Also, I know there's lots of guys that seem to really like the diamond wood strikers. I've yet to find one I like. Used several and they're all a bit to squeaky for me. Don't seem as if they want to grip the surface of a call very well. Just my opinion though.