Stropping speed increases in direct proportion to the number of correct strokes accomplished.

Total cost to date for cheap strops......$37.

Experience gained by using different types of leather priceless.

As for speed caused mistakes I don't possess good coordination. My first 40 lap stropping would take 4 sessions spread over 15 minutes and would include an occasional miscue resulting in damage to the stropping medium. After a year of practice I can do 60 laps in one session in about 3 minutes and I am preparing to make a purchase of a premium strop based on experience with different leathers and handle arrangements.

GO slow buy cheap buy alot and experience as much diversity as you can afford.