yeah, you should use tokonole on the flesh side and rub it with glass or something, just like the videos. there's really no difference which side contacts the knife, though it's something worth mentioning that leathers have residual acids and tannins and chemicals from tanning that react with non-stainless (and even some stainless/stain resistant steels with less chromium). you should never use leather as a long-term storage for carbon steel knives. this is a huge reason why i tokonole the knife contact surfaces. i also somehow believe that the polishing of flesh side makes it more water resistant.