IMO scratch pattern, on almost any cutting edge, or any type, for any purpose is strictly aesthetic.

I have a razor on it's way to Lynn as well now so that I can check it out when he is done with it.

I have four here in my possession that I have honed different ways. The sharpest one is the one I used the lightest touch on. They are all the same steel and grind.

They all pop hair, short face stubble is a different story.

Fwiw, the one that I spent the most time on, and polished the best, shaves the worst.