strop for knife sharpening?

Was watching an old movie and there was a scene in a barebrshop and the
barber was running his straight razor up and down a leather strop (not
strap, although it is a strap). What does this do for an edge? Does it
really sharpen it or just act like a steel does for a kitchen knife? I
have available to me a couple of these from a local barbershop that is
closing and was wondering if it could be used on my kitchen knives? I
know you wouldn't get a precision ground edge angle on the knife.

--
Jack N2MPU
Proud NRA Life Member
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