dropping 2 deg is for cow. Not sure if it is the same for kangaroo. Balsa you seem to only need to step down .5 or 1.
Stepping down in angle will not prevent cutting any at all. It just keeps from making the apex a lower angle because of the rounding that occurs due to the soft material curling over the apex.
Cutting the strops is all technique. So I am betting the folks that are chewing up the left strops are *cough* right handed perhaps?
Practice makes perfect!! After you get the mechanics of the stroke proper on both hands…start checking yourself on the difference in pressure you are using between the 2…next level stuff my friends. Keep sharpening!! LOTS!