I have been using a Tony Miller "apprentice" strop for a few months now and I'm thinking about moving up. One thing I'd like is the ones with the metal reinforcement at the handle end, like the premium TM strops have. Also, I don't have any linen component so I would like to get one with that as well.
I'm inclined to stick with the Tony Miller ones, as he's our local vendor and I've never heard indication that there's any better to be had (??).
Problem is, now I have the choice of horsehide versus latigo and premium canvas versus linen. So those of you "in the know", is the horsehide and linen worth the extra $$, or is basic going to perform just as well?
What are the various benefits/detriments of each material? I believe a major selling point in horsehide is better water resistance and a denser/tougher surface. Anything else?