I am building a wooden paddle strop and need to know what type of leather to use. This is a 3.5"W x 3/4"H x 22"L paddle and I have some contact cement to bond the materials.

1) What type of leather should I use and where can I get it?

2) Should I make one side fabric/linen/denim and if so what type should I use?

3) If I shouldn't bother with fabric/linen/denim in #2, what second type of leather should I use?

This is the first paddle strop I'll have. I don't plan on using either side of this one for pastes (I may make another for that after I get this one usable).

Any thoughts or advice appreciated!