I just recently bought a new Illinois #361 strop. When I received it, the leather and linen were both on the stiff side. Anticipating this I also bought some Fromm strop dressing. The dressing has worked wonders for the leather; as it should. Although I would like the linen to be on the softer side. What could I do to soften the linen. When I tried stropping the blade seem to just glide over the fabric and not become engaged by it. That was probably due to the stiffness of the linen. If any one can help I would be grateful.