I'm a Big Believer in 'Playing' or 'Experimenting' I've shaved off of a 1K, 4K, 8K and 12K edge with no stropping and then after stropping just to see what the difference the stropping made. I learned A Lot!

I've also done the same with just using the cloth and shaving and then the leather for comparison. I won't disclose what 'I' found but I do hope that the OP will take the time to 'Play' and report back what he finds from experimenting.