Fine and Course Leather Strop?

I just purchased a 7/8 Thiers Issard "Blades Grim" (see my blog) from vintagestraightrazor.com which came with a free strop. The strop has two strips; both appear to be leather, although one is noticeably courser and thicker than the other. No "linen".

Obviously I'm very new to this; having just got comfortable with a disposable Parker for a month. Never stropped before. I've read the wiki and threads on here, but still have some questions

1. Do I strop on leather side or suede side of the strops?
2. Do I strop on the coarser one first, then end with the fine one?
3. 10 strokes on each?
4. Do I have to paste or lubricate one or other of the strops? The instructions mention paste one one "side" and oils from your hand on the other.. but I have 4 sides, not 2 ;)

Sorry for newbie questions but want to get this right going in.

For what it's worth (and I've read threads here discussing this razor) the razor "looks" great to me (as a newbie of course).. the blade is flat, and has a nice even bevel by eye. I shaved twice out of the box (as instructed without stropping), but second shave was pulling so I figure now is the time.

Thanks for all your advice. This forum has already helped a lot.

The strop says Buckingham & Sons on it, here are some photos..

Attachment 154455
Attachment 154456

Based on your photos, I would recommend finished sides only. The backsides are unfinished and too rough for stropping your razor.

The back side looks similar to the scrub leather sold with the SRD modular paddle. If it is, it can be used in place of linen or pressed wool prior to stropping on the finished leather.

I would do 15-20 light laps on the secondary material, then 50-60 on the smooth leather. Remember to be light and even in your strokes. To be smooth is key when stropping.

Thanks All. Thinking some more about this, it would be hard to strop on the insides of the two, which makes me think that I'm supposed to use the outsides - one is a soft wool-like surface (the darker one) and the finished leather surface. Would that make sense?

Sorry, its quite confusing to me - because how would I keep the top strop out of the way to use the second finished side. It would be easy to just turn it over...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EnglishJimbob

Thanks All. Thinking some more about this, it would be hard to strop on the insides of the two, which makes me think that I'm supposed to use the outsides - one is a soft wool-like surface (the darker one) and the finished leather surface. Would that make sense?

Sorry, its quite confusing to me - because how would I keep the top strop out of the way to use the second finished side. It would be easy to just turn it over...

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Yes, you would use the outsides. 15-20 on the soft side, then flip it over and to 50-60 on the smooth leather.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EnglishJimbob

Thanks All. Thinking some more about this, it would be hard to strop on the insides of the two, which makes me think that I'm supposed to use the outsides - one is a soft wool-like surface (the darker one) and the finished leather surface. Would that make sense?

Sorry, its quite confusing to me - because how would I keep the top strop out of the way to use the second finished side. It would be easy to just turn it over...

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Yes, use the outsides by flipping it over starting with the soft (probably felt) side.
You shouldn't need any paste on your strop with a new razor, some time in the future you may want to try it applied to another strop or the felt you have now. You don't want to use it all the time so you want a pasted strop and a clean strop.
Watch some stropping videos, it's easy to accidentally dull the razor if you drag the edge without the spine in contact.
Read this: Razor stropping - Straight Razor Place Library

I just wanted to thank you all once again. I stropped for the first time tonight and found it was easier than expected. The best part? I just had the best shave ever!! It cut very smoothly, even across the grain. I'm a very happy man - especially since this was the Blades Grim razor that I've heard some be very skeptical about. It gets my vote..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EnglishJimbob

I'm a very happy man - especially since this was the Blades Grim razor that I've heard some be very skeptical about. It gets my vote..

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Welcome to the 'Place'. Glad you're enjoying you're new razor.
I don't think you'll find any skepticism here about T.I. razors. It's the blatant copy called 'Grim Blades' with "Made in USA" lasered on it that is in question.