well it has a light leather on one side and a darker leather on the other

do i do an X pattern ?? because the table strop is large enough to not have to do an x pattern

but if it is recommended to do an x pattern please let me know

also

what paste is recommended?? i saw a variety of pastes for strops on classicshaving.com and i do not know which one to go with as a beginner

also

if i do paste it with something is it ok to put it on its back when i use the other side ??? whether pasted or not--or vice versa??

thanks