X pattern on a super wide strop?

I know it's frowned upon, but I purchased a 3.25"x25" B&B Magnum Leather strop, I have two questions. 1) Because the strop is wider than the blade, could I just go straight up and down as opposed to using an x pattern? 2) The strop came with two cowhide leather sides, one thick one (medium brown, face side is smooth and reverse side is rough suede like), and one thin one (dark brown, almost like low end upholstery leather, face side is more skin-feeling? than the thick one and reverse side is some sort of fuzzy man made lining I guess). Which one should I use to start and which to finish? If it's a matter of preference, opinions to the pro's and con's are welcome and appreciated.

Yes you can do just straight up and down strokes...thats the alure of the wider strops is to alleviate having to do the x stroke. You'd use the outer side of both strops...the smooth sides. Fabric first then leather..personally I do 30/60 but thats just my preference. Hope this helps :)

Sorry you had to buy that strop

That strop wont work werry well me thinks(can be improved with proper treatment)
I think you should try getting a little x movement.like 1" on the lenght of the strop

The vinyl/loose felt strop is a real pease of crap(no its not leather)
It usually cup on the vinyl side and the felt balls up so it creates bumps on that side


How do i know this:Well i bought one myself:gaah: