Strop Design Detail

[JeffM]

I noticed that on the linen component of my Tony Miller strop, the thin orange embroidered lines that run lengthwise on either edge are located on the linen side facing the leather component ( the inside). The side that I use ( the outward facing side) has no inlays. Is that a design feature unique to TM strops? Just curious as it doesn't affect performance.

[Tony Miller]

The stripes are colored threads that are a manufacturers key to the type of weave and number of plys. Yellow stripes are a fine tight weave, brown stripes are a coarse loose weave, blue stripes might designate a tubular weave, etc....Thread sizes, plys and pattern of the weave are also indicated. Sort of an industry standard.

Some customers used to be upset when I put the older material's brown stripes towards the outside and would email me that I put the stitching on the wrong side, worried it may unravel. The threads are merely colored threads laid into the weave, not stitching holding it together. I assemble based on which side feels the best and lays the flatest based on the roll I am using so may vary from lot to lot.

Hope this helps.

Tony

[maxman]

You can't get a better answer than one that comes from the man who made the strop.