The purpose of a strop is to:

The purpose of a strop is to smooth the razor's edge. Stropping involves drawing the razor blade across the smooth leather or fabric surface of the strop, which helps to realign and refine the edge of the blade rather than sharpening it in the traditional sense. This process removes tiny deformities and ensures that the cutting edge is finely polished and ready for use.

Using a strop is crucial for maintaining the sharpness of a straight razor, as it helps keep the edge aligned without removing much material. A well-maintained strop can significantly extend the life of a razor by promoting better cutting performance with a smooth finish.

Other options such as grinding the blade or sharpening it to a fine point typically involve different tools and processes, such as honing stones or grinders, which are not the function of a strop. Providing a comfortable grip is also not the primary purpose of a strop; instead, it focuses on maintaining the razor's edge for effective cutting.