Not to worry ... the spine will lay the grain down nice and smooth. The edge trailing motion
allows the bits from the split hide to lay down and work nicely. It is tempting to add too much
strop dressing (oil). The less oil you use the faster it will react with air and help smooth the surface.
Smooth and shiny is not going to happen compared to a skin side different cut of leather.
Some leather is rolled between a traction roller and a smooth roller to press the leather flatter and
make it denser. Russian leather is sometimes this highly compressed flesh side leather.
The maker says "The leather is finely napped and will give a very refined edge."
and I expect that is the case.
They all make great strops.
Smoother yes in a couple months but shiny no.
Do not be tempted to sand the leather -- you do not want the napped leather to
grab grit that will haunt you. Sanding works for belts... not strops.
My Illinois strop with napped Russian leather is one of my favorites.
Have fun.