How big of a deal is it if a strop has some kind of "texture" to the surface?

I bought an Illinois 827 awhile back, and the stropping surface has ridges in it. I have oiled and used strop dressing, but there is still a roughness to the surface.

I have numerous vintage strops that are all very smooth. That is what I'm currently using. I didn't really need the Illinois, but one day thought it would be fun to buy a brand new strop as a comparison.

Obviously the Illinois 827 is a respected strop in it's price range. I'm just wondering about those ridges...