Linen: is it needed?

I couldn't find an exact answer to this (yes, I know there isn't one):

Is the linen side of a strop necessary? I just got the "Standard Textbook of Barbering" 4th ed. and they, like most current advice say to not use the linen just after honing but use it each shave between hones.

Is this really necessary? I ask because I get good results using just the leather but seem to mess the edge up if I use the linen.

Unnecessary, but I like it.

X

I don't know what's the "right" answer, lol. But I can tell you I've NEVER used the linen on one of my strops and the other one doesn't have linen. So for me at least, it's not needed. :shrug:

I don't know if its necessary but I always use it before shaving and stropping on leather and its never had a bad effect on any blade. Personally I think it helps by heating the edge and realigning.