Originally Posted by
Lakebound
To answer the OP's question: Yes, the cloth is meant to be used clean before the leather to help remove hair, soap scum and surface oxidation before moving on to the burnishing that the leather accomplishes.
I treat one side of the linen with. 5 micron diamond spray for touch ups and use the clean linen as described above.
The linen serves a purpose and I recommend using it. BTW, I own three SRD Latigo strops just like yours. You made an excellent choice.
Frank