I once didn't strop before using, I usually do my 20-25 linen and then 50 leather, this particular morning I just hit it 30 strokes on the leather and with my most consistent razor I got the same thing , a little rough with AS. Called my hone guy asked what's going on with this linen and leather thing. Well to put it mildly he said it works! So do it. But dropping the linen did feel different , and maybe I just had a bad morning , but I do my routine every time now, and no more issues.
I will say that sometimes I do it the night before and that works too. Tv