I am ready to get one made since for the last year and a half I have been using a Thiers Issard extra wide paddle predominantly in addition to a Prima Rindler hanging strop for linen with CROX on the leather side.

I think its time to upgrade and I am sure I prefer paddles. The thing I wish to know is what are the fillets on some paddles for? You know those 2 hollow sections? Do they make any difference or are they for balance only? I need to know as this could influence my strop vendor.

The other thing is what leathers to go for? There are too many choices. Horse hide, latigo, calf leather etc... Im looking for a coarse type leather to do away with the linen and a super fine ultra high quality to finish on the the other side.

Please recommend the 2 best leathers, and let me know if those fillets are important.

Many thanks