Thread: Neil Miller to the Rescue!

I have a couple of old Lipshaw Microtome strops that I use in my workshop. They are heavy and solid, with some fine black, rubberized "diamond" material on one side, with leather on the other. They work great after honing! The old leather was, well, old. It worked really great, I must admit, but it took lots of constant conditioning to keep them supple.
I had grown to appreciate Neil's posts and knowledge, so I approached him with an idea to make some new leathers for them. I sent him pictures and dimensions and he went right to work making me 5 of different types. From left to right are :
Classic English Bridle, oiled and waxed
European tanned with Tallow
Russett Cowhide, untreated and dyed black
Modified English Bridle, 1 coat of oil
Modified English Bridle, 3 coats of oil

His help and fine, prompt workmanship, and especially his willingness to help are greatly appreciated. I highly recommend him as a good man with excellent skills and knowledge!
I feel like a kid in a candy store. I can now experience different leathers and hope to develop "progressive stropping" as I learn the characteristics of each. Gee, Max! All I need now is my new Thater Brush!
Thanks Neil,
Tom

Thanks for the compliments Tom - much appreciated! That is a nifty bit of kit you have there, never seen anything like it over here in the UK. It's similar to a loom strop but much, much better - no twist or torsion problems, and looks to have a lot more thought put into its design than just a couple of steel rods and steel rectangles lashed together. Changing leathers looks like a cinch to do too - no partial disassembly needed like a loom strop, just back off the screw and unhook the belt. And it has a cover - excellent bit of kit!

Regards,
Neil

Thank YOU, Neil! I have edited my listing to say left to right, as you surely must have noticed
These strops MUST be a pleasure to use! I will test them soon! A one of a kind setup, with your fine help!
...get it on.....Tom

Tom,
Congratulations my friend ...I can see why you feel like a kid on a candy store .

I also vouch for Neil's workmanship, knowledge (razors, strops and everything wetshaving), and most of all his gentlemanly ways and nature . I have a linen strop from him and absolutely love it. He is an amazing guy to deal with .


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Cheers,
Robert

Good god Tom that is a cool setup!! We need to have another get together in 3-6 months. It would be nice to have a semi-annual gathering for the Hustonite area!
Paul

Congratulations! SRP operating at it's finest. We are fortunate not only to have Neil as a member but so many other first rate craftsmen who are always willing to help.

sharptonn,

Nice strops

++++1 on Mr Miller

His workmanship is superb and he is a very fine chap

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Congradulation!! That is ONE Wicked set up!!!!
Use it in good health and LOTS O' sharpness.!
Is it OK, do 'ya think for me to PM Neil about a strop question I have?? Just wondering.

Again, that's a beautiful collection of leather!!

tinkersd

Originally Posted by tinkersd

Is it OK, do 'ya think for me to PM Neil about a strop question I have?? Just wondering. tinkersd

I can only highly recommend it!

Originally Posted by tinkersd

Congradulation!! That is ONE Wicked set up!!!!
Use it in good health and LOTS O' sharpness.!
Is it OK, do 'ya think for me to PM Neil about a strop question I have?? Just wondering.

Again, that's a beautiful collection of leather!!

tinkersd

I'd contacted Neil a while ago looking for info, before i think i knew he was a member here (heard many recommendations though). I really can't speak highly enough of the man, utter gent. I would imagine he'll only be to happy to hear from you, thats the impression i always get when i'm asking him stupid questions