WOW 4 layers of tape!!!

Well I have finally got an edge on one of my blades after having to use 4 layers of tape to achieve a decent bevel. When I first used one layer I saw after a while that in one long spot the bevel was getting wider up the towards the spine of the blade almost 1/4" and nothing at the toe and heel. Upon further inspection I saw the spine was severely flat in that spot. I talked with a fellow SRP mentor and he suggested putting 4 layers of tape and trying that. Well that sure worked and after and afternoon and evening using rolling X's because the heel and toe were not following along very well, I have hairs popping like corn in a movie theater. So, after giving the blade a ride on the 12k Chinese stone I am wondering if when it comes time to strop, will I need to still use tape? Won't the angle that is now present be shallower if I strop without tape? Or... will I get a micro bevel because of the shallower angle.
Thanks,
Bill W

The tape comes off when you get to the strops, from what I've heard... the strop, even though held fairly firm does still give a little bit when the blade sits on it -- from what I understand this small "give" is enough for it to get around that bevel and make contact with the edge, so, you should be fine!

Thanks for the information. Would it make a difference if you only have a paddle strop?

I go by the following rule of thumb:

If I use 1 layer of tape to hone, I strop with no tape and let the middle of the strop sag no more than a half inch. For a 3 layer bevel I let it sag no more than 3/4 inch in the middle.

For your 4 layer bevel, I think 3/4 inch of sag is still plenty. This is just my opinion because I never used 4 layers but thanks for the idea.....

Jerry
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The deflection in the hanging strop should be no more than 1/2" to 1". I would strop without the tape. If your using a paddle strop then reapply 2-4 layers of tape. There is not that much "give" in the leather on the paddle strop.


Hope this helps,