Stropping Man Cowhide Paddle Strop, 2 sided leather, 7 to 8 ounces thick, that is 100% real and vegetable tanned. Historically, cowhide leather has been used for stropping. Latigo nubuck leather on the backside of the double-sided cowhide strop, which is attached to a nice hickory paddle. Characteristics: This leather has a fine grit and is medium firm, and a leather cord has been added to make handling and storing easier. More pores and widely spaced fibers can be found in leather. The best leather for stropping is cowhide since it is versatile.