I have stropped my straight razor three times now and it has gone very well. No damaged strop as of yet! I've have been stropping somewhat slow, but I've notice that my rhythm and speed are slowly increasing. I am VERY glad that I went with a 3" Strop for my first strop. It has made learning basic technique a bit easier.

I wanted to ask about strop pastes. Are they necessary and if so what do they do? Thanks!