Its like a golf swing. You cant force it. Pull it taunt, but not like your pulling a kid out of fridged waters. Lead with the spine, Let the cutting edge go along for the ride.Its not complicated if you dont make it so.Find the audio of how it sounds to strop. Hear it with your eyes closed. Fact your going to be slower in the beginning.SPEED KILLS. Feel the strop close your eyes and get the sound & tactile feedback. Make shorter strokes.You cant push the blade into the leather to make it sharper. Do you hone? Same pressure as on final hone. Humble opionion .I did it all the wrong way. These thoughts or mental images and neatsfeet oil on a New Strop broke it in.You dont redline a brand new car and not expect engine damage.right??? Same principle. To quote Caddyshack "Billy feel the ball."You will be fine.