Thread: 2" or 3"?? how do I decide?

The fabric side of the strop, be it cotton weave or poly web, is most often used prior to the leather strop.

For instance, you're shaving cream is all lathered on your face, and now you pick up your strop for 30 out and back passes on Linen/Fabric, and then 50 out and back passes on the leather.

Thanks Maxi, I think you answered another question I had also. When someone for example said 20-30 strokes, I take it means one up and one back makes one stroke?

Yes, one stroke=up and back.
I may suggest a smaller strop than others. I think that it makes you focus a little more on what you are doing and gets you a better edge. IMO stropping is one of the most important skills in straight shaving and I have found that any quality leather will get you there as long as you learn how to use it properly. As for the cloth component I dislike the poly webbing mostly for the feel, but that relates to me and no one else. I have a few cloth components and my favorites are still the proper linens both new and vintage,