Thread: Diamond patterned Lipshaw strop

Has anyone seen a diamond pattern embossed strop? I received from my brother in Cleveland Oh. a Lipshaw Mfg. Co. Detroit USA Diamond strop. Lipshaw is mfg. of pathology lab equipment. The company was bought by Shandon in the 1980's and moved to Erie Pa. The first side is normal light tanned cowhide 2 5/8 by 20. The second side however is black with a hard type finish much like a normal pants belt. It is also embossed with a light diamond pattern, like gun stock checkering. I am assuming this is the pre stropping side. Was wondering 1) has anyone seen or used this type of strop 2) would this side be a good candidate for paste, and if so and recommendations? Thanx for the help.

Yes, I have been using them for years. They were for stropping microtomes. That diamond patterned black side is awesome, IMO. I would not paste that, no need! Plenty of stable stropping surface. I like the foam under the strops. It really makes them perform.
Say, look for my previous thread here a few weeks ago entitled "Neil Miller to the Rescue!" I just thought they were good until I got some premium leather for them! ...get it on...Tom
(that thread was 9/13)

I have seen a diamond embossed strop . It was a "Russian" leather & stamped "Juchten" It was by Boker or another German razor maker & the embossing was on the grain side the finishing side was the flesh side.

I have had several leather strops with a diamond cut side as well. They work well, but here is a pic of the surface the OP was referring to. It is kind of rubberized stuff, but not really soft at all. It is very effective, yet not harsh! I really enjoy using it.

I have a vintage Deep-Cut strop where there is a diamond pattern actually cut into the back of the strop, not pressed in. It's a type of "russia back." It's a much wider pattern (the diamonds are about a cm square). I assume it is to keep the stropping surface both even and flexible, which it does a great job of. It is a terrific strop.