?My First Strop?

[Belegnole]

Alright folks, I have searched and read....read and searched and now I am stuck between two strops. I HAVE decided to get one of Tony's strops as to do otherwise would seem to go against almost everyones advice. So that narrows things down a bit...My real problem is this.....I have seen strong advice suggesting that for a beginner with a limited budget that a 4 sided paddle with 3 pasted is the way to go. This allows for "easy" tune ups with out having to hone for some time. I have even read the debate of pastes vs hones. I do know that I will be getting some hones myself in the future. My other choice would be one of the Artisans with linen and d-ring handles (+practice strop) and worry about pastes and hones later. BUT I am a goldsmith and I like to fiddle with metal AND I am not too inclined to keep sending my blade out to another when I could learn to do it myself.

So, If I plan on becoming a jr. honemeister what way of getting there would you suggest, which strop to start with?

Thanks, Dave

Oh, and Tony please feel free to reply as your going to get a sale either way....