This is the second time Ive seen the term jointing the blade and the second time someone asked what it is and still no body has answered-anyone? what is it?
And stropping is such a quick and effortless action that even if you don't think its doing anything (which it most certainly is IMHO) why would you skip such an easy action ?
If it didn't work I think someone would have discovered it in the last hundred years or so.
just my two cents..........
Griz