To successfully use a microscope, you have to learn what to look for.

What do you mean my a smoother edge? Are you referring to less and shallower scratches in the bevel? If so, I don't think that has anything to do with how long the edge lasts.

I'm also not sure where you are reading about people stropping every few shaves; I know I don't read the stropping forum at all, but I do believe most members strop before every shave (some also after shaving), and I recommend stropping before every shave.

All that said, the edge shouldn't deteriorate over the course of one shave. What kind of razor are you using? Was it honed by a reputable honer? How drastic is the change during one shave? What's your shaving experience like?

(I know, a lot of questions, but there are a lot of unknowns.)