I just received my new strop today. I didnt shave today, but I tried out the leather side of the strop and with my technique (still a n00b lol) it seemed to sharpen the blade just fine. I was wondering what exactly I use the linen on that is on the back of the strop for? Ive read people use it before they use the leather side.

Also one quick question, is a stroke a full stropping motion as in forwards AND back or is a stroke just forwards? I hear people saying they do 50 strokes. Does that mean 50 back and forth or 100 back and forth. Sorry if this sounded confusing.

KWood34