Help with a Lipshaw please

[Daaaveman]

Newb here. I have a Lipshaw Model B Microtome. I would like to replace the leather. However, it seems to be glued to the pad. The leather is nailed down at the ends with 5 tiny nails. I would like to order Neil Miller leather but I'm not sure replacing it is possible. HELP! Thanks guys.

[Hirlau]

Welcome Dave,,,,,
Can you shoot some photos of it in detail & I'm sure someone will give you some advice.

[sharptonn]

Yeah, Welcome! We have an introduction subforum in the beginner's forum. Get up there, Dave, and introduce yourself to everyone!
HOPEFULLY, you are not speaking of a Lipshaw Microtome blade? They look like this! Lipshaw made some older variations of microtome strops which were simple blocks of wood with strops tacked to them. Perhaps this is what you have? Pics, Please!

[Tarkus]

I have 3 standard Lipshaw Microtome strops they have grommets that hold the leather down on the felt or rubber underlay with metal hooks. 2 hooks at the rear 2 hooks at the top with the top also having a locking screw or locking spring vilear pin.



You might be talking about one of these. This is a Lipshaw leather clad strop that's bonded to the felt underlay and wood block.
I don't have any nails but then Lipshaw changed alot of there units thru time with upgrades in hardware etc.



If its like this Lipshaw block, you might have a problem separating the components. Might not be worth the work. It could be better to start off from scratch with the raw materials and build your own.

Show some photos of the unit for us to get a better understanding of what your dealing with.

[Daaaveman]

I have 3 standard Lipshaw Microtome strops they have grommets that hold the leather down on the felt or rubber underlay with metal hooks. 2 hooks at the rear 2 hooks at the top with the top also having a locking screw or locking spring vilear pin.



You might be talking about one of these. This is a Lipshaw leather clad strop that's bonded to the felt underlay and wood block.
I don't have any nails but then Lipshaw changed alot of there units thru time with upgrades in hardware etc.



If its like this Lipshaw block, you might have a problem separating the components. Might not be worth the work. It could be better to start off from scratch with the raw materials and build your own.

Show some photos of the unit for us to get a better understanding of what your dealing with.

Yes Tarkus. I'm hosed. No Earl Miller leather for me on this one! Thanks anyway guys. Here's a pic. I'll probably just use this for my knives and find another Lippy in an A or C model to throw some beautiful leather on.

[sharptonn]

Well, you might convince old Nei...Earl Miller to send you a piece at your dimensions and tack it on. OR SRD sells replacement strop panels in a variety of leathers you could cut and fit. That is an early version of the ones Tarkus pictured. What shape is the black strop in? The leather may be fine. Lipshaw used good leather if it is not cut or too dry.
Some leather cleaner/conditioner might help?

[Tarkus]

Sharptonn is right that leather could be fine. Don't think old is worn out. Its the old stuff that's in the butter zone now. Well seasoned good for another 50 years.

Enjoy the Lip. they are truly a stropping system that's above the rest in performance.

That looks one sided to me does it have the diamond patterned leather side? That's the sweet stuff the stropping medium you'd want to kill for. Very rare to find a good clean panel that's not worn down too much.

[sharptonn]

That one has two sides. The black is on a side next to the leather. It can be seen on the bottom of the picture. The other 2 sides are bare wood and have feet in the corners for it to sit upon usually. As changing to the other strop, just rotate a quarter and back.

[Tarkus]

That one has two sides. The black is on a side next to the leather. It can be seen on the bottom of the picture. The other 2 sides are bare wood and have feet in the corners for it to sit upon usually. As changing to the other strop, just rotate a quarter and back.

Oh geeze now I see it, it was staring me right in the face the whole time its 90 degrees from the other strop.
Damn that is an oldie isn't it?

[Daaaveman]

The leather is in great shape but had a couple of cuts in it. I carefully cleaned them up so that I don't get a blade stuck in there and tear it further. The black side looks to be in good shape to me. I'll post a few more pics when I get home from work. Thanks for all the help guys.