[rick-in-seattle]

Thomp,
The smooth side will glue better, and the rough side will hold the compound in place.

Thin or thick depends a lot on the leather.

I personally do not like real pigskin because of the hair folicals.

When you strop, you can feel the blade pass over them.

Some strops I have seen touted as "pigskin" are actually man-made materials.
Nothing wrong with man-made, they just shouldn't be calling them pigskin.

I like split cowhide myself.

[Doug Ridley]

Anybody else just use the heel of their hand to strop with?

[AlArchie]

I used to. Now they call me Lefty!

Al

[Thomp]

dang doug is tough....
when my hands get that rough my wife chases me down with the jergins....

thanks all for the information