Just a quick thing I picked up when honing my ebay cheapo tonight.

Although the razor I am honing is dirt cheap and I don't really care about ruining the spine long term, I put tape on the spine this time as I was concerned the spine wear with all my practice honing would effect the bevel angle and thus the ability to get a good edge. Not only did the tape protect the spine, it also slowed down my honing stroke giving me more control as the razor didn't skid across the hone. The tape provides more friction thus giving more control.

I know taping the spine is an old tip, but how many people do it as a way of gaining control?

The razor now easily pops arm hairs in a few places.

Maybe all newbies should tape the spine as a matter of course, if not to protect the blade but to control the honing stroke?