What does a strop do?

A strop is an essential tool used in the process of maintaining straight razors. Its primary purpose is to finish the razor's edge after it has been honed on a sharpening stone. By drawing the blade across the strop, the micro-serrations of the edge are aligned, resulting in a polished and refined cutting surface. This additional step is crucial for achieving the sharpness needed for a clean and comfortable shave.

While there are other tools and methods used for sharpening, a strop specifically aids in polishing the edge rather than removing significant metal, which is what occurs during honing or sharpening with a stone. Additionally, cleaning the razor or adjusting its angle pertains to other aspects of razor maintenance but is not the primary function of a strop.