i have seen couple questions and thread on this . i don't know why i started this but i will tell what i think.
When i started to hone i learned hone the blade without tape. later on after 2 years a lot questions and answer i did change my mind and move to tape the back of the blade.
what it was doing it. saving the back and you don't have hone wear on the blade. etc.
i really never feel sharpness differences between taped or not taped blade.
But recently i think i have change my mind again.
I choose to go Lynn's way.
Not to tape except if it is really price blade go head and taped.
My reason is i think there is differences when you hone taped and not taped blade movement on the hones different. .
does it makes any differences on sharpness of the blade i have no clue . i would like to know your opinions . Welcome