Why do barbers sharpen their razors on a leather strip?

Barbers sharpen their razors on a leather strip, known as a strop, to realign the edge of the blade and remove any microscopic imperfections that can affect cutting performance. Stropping helps maintain the razor's sharpness by polishing the edge, ensuring a smoother, cleaner shave. The leather provides just the right amount of friction to hone the blade without dulling it, making it an essential tool for maintaining razor efficacy.