Still just trying to learn all I can. I understand the purpose of fabric/linen/webbing for after the shave to help clean and dry the blade and then additional laps on leather prior to putting the razor away.

But then the next day prior to shaving what purpose is the fabric/linen/webbing accomplishing prior to your decided lap amounts on the leather? I've read that this heats the blade to prepare it for the leather but I guess I just don't really understand what that process is really doing.

In response to SirStropalot: I don't think that the fabric is degrading the edge as much as my technique. It really has improved greatly but I'm still learning and improving. I am able now to maintain/improve the edge with my stropping, the vast majority of the time. In the beginning I was probably doing more harm than good due to poor technique.

Just trying to take my stropping to the next level and if I understand the reasoning for each step, that makes the process easier for me.

Thanks again for the replies.