Just another tool for the tool box. If I've picked up an old whipped razor that already has spine wear, there's nothing to protect and I hone it naked to see if it takes an edge. If it does, great. I can save 30 seconds of time and .001 cents worth of tape when I hone it.

If the spine looks to be in good shape and I don't want to change that, I spend the time & money on tape. Right now, that means my Wade & Butcher gets taped and all my other old whipped razors don't. Favoritism? Maybe. But they all shave and that's all that matters at the end of the day.