Quote Originally Posted by shuka View Post
Why do you have to remove the tape to set the bevel? On the last razor I sharpened, once I got it popping hairs off of a 1k stone, I added a layer of tape to set the bevel a little wider. This seemed to work very well... but as a newbie I don't really know how well it actually worked. Should I not do this anymore?

Thanks,
SHuka
If you visualize it adding tape would cause a double bevel or you would have to hone completely through and beyond your existing bevel to create a wider bevel. In general a narrower bevel is preferable IMO. You live with what the geometry of the razor dictates.

The question of taping a spine or not has been a hotly debated one with advocates on either side of the issue. Doing a forum search for "tape" and reading the threads would be very instructive if not even more confusing.

IMO if you are new to honing taping the spine with one layer might be a good idea until you have your honing chops down. Once you feel competent and are getting consistent results you may decide to go one way or the other. I formerly was in the tape the spine camp but now find myself going the other way.