I bought the 3" SRD premium fabric strop a couple of months ago. I was very surprised at how stiff the strop is. I don't remember watching a video of anyone using a strop that appeared this stiff. Is this normal? Does this material break it over time? If so, is there a way to speed up any break in? I think this strop is normally referred to as a "linen" strop. What I have been getting used to is a leather, kangaroo and webbing strop all of which are much softer. The performance of the strop is the most important thing of course. But for now I find using the premium fabric (linen?) strop completely uncomfortable. It's almost like I'm stropping on a brick. Due to this I haven't used it enough to determine how I like how it effects the razor edge. I have the .5 micron chromium oxide green crayon on it. Everyone seems to love this material so I'm sure I'm missing something. Please keep in mind I'm learning most of this stuff so I'm not experienced enough to realize most pros or cons of different materials.

Is the SRD premium fabric strop the same as a linen strop with a different name?

Will the stiffness go away in time and the strop become softer? Or is this stiffness the way it stays?

I appreciate any help.

Jack