Howdy! I'm very new to straight shaving and currently have a very basic strop with smooth leather on one side and unfinished leather on the back. I'm looking at getting a better strop eventually once I get all of my practice nicks out of the way (none yet, knock on wood) but I'm confused on the differences in backing materials.

Some have linen, canvas, synthetic webbing, felt, etc. I know you can get by with something as basic as old blue jeans, but what are the differences between some of the materials above in regard to results?

Also, should I ever use the unfinished side of my current leather strop?

Thanks in advance for the information.
Josh