This doesn't relate to a straight razor but I've read about running DE and SE blades over denim to sharpen and prolong the life of the blade. I noticed from time to time Feather Pro blades need about 3-4 shaves to get a really smooth shave. Just for the fun of it I took my feather pro blade in my Mongoose razor and stropped it on the rough leather on my modular strop. I really made the blade less harsh. I then tried it on the smooth leather and it was really good. Now I do it when I first put in a blade and after 6 or 7 shaves to prolong the live for a couple more. It's not the money, just curious to see if there is merit to it. Like straights, the cutting edge should trail. Guess stropping does work.