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usually the cloth (linen or wool or else) side is being used 20-40 strokes per side before going to the smooth leather for another couple of strokes.
The cloth can be (but doesn´t need to) treated...

I personally would rely on more common stones for newbies.
The norton 4k/8k has been discussed a million times
and a large number of people can help you with this stone,
if help is needed