Mike, I do admit that Tom's lecture on the needs and purpose of spine taping was a touch insulting. I should have let it pass unnoticed.

In some small way at least, anyone who has taken an un-taped razor needing touch-up, and then added tape to re-establish the edge has already completed the experiment. Except for 1. it was not a fresh 16k edge. 2. perhaps not refinished at 30k.

My earlier point should have only been taken as a reminder of how the math does not support the premise that significant strengthening will occur with this minimal alteration. While technically true any advance in longevity should be treated suspect due to 1. subjective nature of the analysis. 2. any greater care taken in experimental mode which may be over and above normal, casual practice.

As I continued by example of error; the change is nevertheless real.