I wouldn't put lather or soap on any of my strops, but to each his own. I like the draw they came with. TBH, I think draw is over rated. I've always felt, if you want more draw, buy a latigo strop. If you want less, buy horsehide. On new strops, I rub them down with the palm of my hand, that's it. If I'm restoring a vintage strop, I've used saddle soap to clean the leather, then I'd retreat it with neetsfoot oil. If you have a Tandy leather by you, Talk to them about leather treatment. I've found them to be very helpful. Leather is Leather.