So this is a lot of beating around the bush to say the leather is better then the leather used in my TMs? And maybe I should buy one and then cut out the leather and put in in my TM?
TM makes a very fine product, lets make no mistakes about that.
If the handles (or lack thereof) are a deal breaker for you, and you think it would be comfortable without them, than the Kanayama isn't for you. The leather on these strops are a luxury. Functional, yes, but above what is really necessary. They have a simpler look. The barber's ends have been the standard forever. Theres nothing at all wrong with them. I love my TMs and use them most often, but the Kanayama leather is really something special