My friend Mr L resents the title of this thread. He says he doesn't strop he has his sidekick Mr death do it for him. He's an expert with that Scythe and maintains it himself. (don't ask what hone he uses)

A strop is a tool and tools should be used and look like are used. I mean, do your wrenches and screwdrivers look the same as the day you bought them?

You don't want to cut your strop up but marks and things give it distinction.