I got my 1st straight razor a little over a month ago and have been using it daily and just bought two more straights. I currently have an Illinois 827 strop that is working well for me. I did not want to get a more expensive one for fear of cutting it up while learning. I have not nicked it yet and am now looking at getting an upgrade. I have heard nothing but good things about Tony Miller’s Artisan New Standard Strops. I am thinking about getting the Latigo and Genuine Linen combo. On my Illinois strop, I seem to get the best results when I use the linen side first but I am not sure what the true material is. I have also read that the smooth butt horsehide is a very good choice. It is my understanding that the smooth butt horsehide is smoother than the Latigo. Should I just start with the Latigo and then move to the horsehide? Will using the horsehide make the blade considerably sharper? Should I stick with the Latigo / linen combo and then order a horsehide only strop? If so, I am guessing I would start with the linen than move to the Latigo and then the horsehide? I am planning on using any sprays or any abrasive compounds on the linen.

Thanks for any advice.