[Tony Miller]

I'm taking a short break next week and will have the storefront closed from this Saturday evening till around the 29th or 30th.
I will be travelling a bit with my wife to visit a few suppliers and pick up materials as well as visits with my Amish helpers. Orders placed before I close will all ship early next week before I leave.

When I get back I will have my abrasive pastes again so will release both 4 Sided and Superwide Paddle Strops. I have been making a few prototypes of a more European style 2" wide Artisan for those who still prefer the really narrow strops. I also have a new type of latigo I am experimenting with. It is a bit stiffer and has a textured surface. While having less draw than my usualy Latigo the texture seems to be quite effective. I need to change the cosmetics a bit on my design so these will not be confused with my usual Latigo models as they act and feel quite different. While my strops seldom turn up on the used market I would not want there to be confusion later.

Thanks,
Tony

[Bruce]

Hey Tony (and world),

I got my barber's razor box yesterday. Your friends, the Amish woodworkers, do excellent work; I am more than satisfied. I may try to make a couple like it for myself, but doubt I can better their their top notch work.

For those of you who are thinking of buying one - do it now before they are gone. These razor boxes are really, really nice.

Many thanks,

[Tony Miller]

Bruce,
Thank you. I do a lot of woodworking but John and Amos are extremely skilled. John 27, and Amos 21, have been doing this work since their early teens but just took over ownership of this shop in January. They build a variety of childrens furnature, dollhouses and decorative trunks. As is typical of the Amish, no electric power tools or lighting are used. Air motors run from a gasoline or diesel compressor power the woodworking equipment. Their shops are lighted by gas.

John also hand cuts the Superwide Paddles for me and Amos does all the finishing work. Another family turns my 4 sides and then they go to John and Amos for final trimming and finish. All of the leather and assembly is done in my own shop. I know I would have struggled to achieve the same workmanship and would not have had the paitence to make 23 of the boxes.

A 76yo Amish gentleman a little closer to home has been finishing my practice strops recently but all the Artisans, Originals and Apprentice models are made by me in my own shop. A young Amish girl will occasionally help with slicking the edges and decorative trim.

After a long stressful week at my "real" job nothing is more relaxing than spending a Friday or saturday afternoon with them and learning from their sense of community or discussing religion. While we may struggle to fit spirituality into our lives they live their beliefs every day. Their lifestlye and chosen work are there solely to support their beliefs, not to command their lives.

I do look forward to next weeks trip and my time with them.

Take care,
Tony

[dward]

Thanks, Tony. I'll wait until you return. Look forward to getting the paddle strop and paste...