If you always trail a blade on a strop, you shouldn't have a problem with damaging it. My suggestion is to start with a cheaper strop to develop your technique and to see if stropping is really for you. If it is, graduate to a better strop. By "better" I mean a piece of horsehide either new or vintage and not necessarily with any of the fancy furniture that drives cost up but provides no functional advantage. If you want a fancy one just for the looks, by all means get one as they're a joy to look at and have hanging around.