Is stropping really important

[David Martin]

Yes, I try to mostly avoid stropping. When my knife gets to needed some attention I try to back hone it back to sharp. Usually on a 3-400 grit
stone. DM

 

[garry3]

I have strops but I never use them for knifes. My stones are fine enough for all that I require, just lots of different ways to sharp.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

The kangaroo-tail stropping and BESS testing in the last third of this video is impressive.