Hi Jimmy -
Actually, the way I found this thread was through searching for "tape" and "set" - and yeah, I'm confused!

Doesn't adding an extra piece of tape make the second bevel you mention (i.e. a micro bevel) a wider bevel at the edge of the blade? Then there is no need to hone beyond the existing bevel - in fact, this is why I don't understand why people set the bevel with tape, and then removed the tape. In that case I see why they would have to hone through the original, until the stone begins to "work" on the edge.

However, I guess from your reply that I don't have to worry about doing anything too bad. I think I'll keep adding tape, and maybe when I'm more confident I'll make a case for it (if I still find it working well).

Thanks -
Shuka