I think the word "Burnish" is the best description of what stropping actually does,,, There is no doubt in my mind at all that it adds something to the edge, perhaps it is just that miniscule little polishing action that does it but it does something good...


As to the Linen after Honing debate, mark me in the yes side, I use linen after honing, simple to decide for each person though, just hone, strop, shave, then decide