Stropping a straight razor before every shave

A strop does not sharpen, it straightens. That is why it is done before every shave (sample note).

Hold the strop taut, lay the razor flat with the spine leading and draw it away from the edge. Turn it on the spine, never on the edge, and come back.

Twenty laps are enough. When stropping no longer brings a smooth shave, the razor needs the stones.