Sorry to keep following up with more comments/information, but as I read everyones' replies I think of more to write.

Presently, to my touch the "SHARPEN" and "FINISH" sides feel exactly the same. I am sure that wasn't the case when it was new. So if the one was to act as the linen side of a new strop is there anything the leather on the "SHARPEN" needs differently?

Thanks as always. reb