I have never used soap. However I remember years ago I saw a barber run a small amount of lather onto his fingertips and place it on a strop, followed by rubbing it in with the palm of his hand and then taking a barber towel and wiping down the strop. I was not into staights at that time and did not question him about the process.

I have used neatsfoot oil and fromm dressing with good results.

I never considered improving the draw, which it usually did, (slightly) when applying any type of dressing. My objective was to have a clean smooth strop. I like to occasionally rub the strop with the heel of my hand. This works about as well as anything.

I think alot of the old time barbers used soap as a conditioner and cleaner according to the old barber manuals I have seen. My friends who use soap are well satisfied.

We could do well to go back and study the old barbers. Every new technical advantage is not always a tactical advantage. That's what I use to tell the young police officers who carried plastic pistols when they ask why I didn't get rid of my old single action 1911 .45.