I liked the older version of Ilford Multigrade FB in Velvet-Stipple for portraiture and Kentmere`s Fine-grain texture is near enough the same.
Another paper surface that I liked even more, was the Kentmere stipple which had a bit more texture than the Ilford surface. Kentmere Bromide and Kentona were available in stipple and Kenthene was also available in stipple, but not the Kentmere variable contrast emulsions unfortunately.
Yes I would like to see Velvet-Stipple back again.
The velevet stipple base is no longer made by the base manufacturer, hence no more velvet stipple I am afraid. In case any of you ask why it cannot be made again, it could, but its about volumes you have to order, a minimum make is several hundred thousand sq mtrs per annum and you have to buy it all ensure mnfc, therefore from a business perspective it will not be viable.
Why are darkroom paper manufacturers at the mercy of the paper mills? Surely they can commision new paper bases? The future seems very dull if were are not going to be offered anything new.