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I feel dumb for asking but I want to make sure before I start with my new strop. I just picked up my new paddle strop, 12" by 3". I noticed there is a smooth leather side, but also a suede side. I've been told that the suede side is to correct a dulling blade, now is this recommended everyday as part of normal stropping or just every once in a while?
My first strop was a TI paddle strop with suede on one side and smooth leather on the other. The strop came with TI strop paste that was for the suede side. The paste works well to refresh a blade or to finish a blade when honing. Well I guess what I'm getting at is that you could use it with or without a paste, if you use it without I don't see a problem with using it as a substitute for linen. But lets here what the senior guys have to say.
I think it's mainly used in conjunction with a paste to refresh a dull edge. A few passes on the pasted side should be all you need.
I think it is probably intended for use with paste, because it will look better than smooth leather after pasted use, and to make sure the user doesn't mistake one side for the other. I doubt whether there is much difference in effect when no paste is used.
the suede side is best used for pastes