Thread: Tape or no tape?

Ok, I have finally gotten my razor to shave ready, therefore I think I learned how to hone properly. I'm not gonna lie it took some time to learn. I've been using to layers of tape when honing. I'm doing that to preserve the spine. Now what would you suggest should I keep doing the same thing or change my technique (with out the tape) and why?

Gregory

Unless you ae taping to preserve a design, finish or something like that, it is entirely personal preference.

I use one layer to prevent spine wear but if the razor is old and has a lot of wear I may need more tape. This help sets an apropriate bevel again when there's excessive wear.

Thank you guys. Next step is to try single tape ans see how that will place my bevel.

I usually use one layer of tape on any razor that has been hollow ground, if it is a wedge start out with four and quite possibly add more if needed.

Thanks for a great advise, I'm actually in process of restoring a wedge razor and thought I will do the same technique as with my hollows. There is a lot more for me to learn about honing

Gregory

On old wedges with noticeable hone wear on the spine I use 3 layers of tape to help bring the bevel angle closer to the original. On full hollow ground razors I use 1 layer to prevent any additional hone wear on the spine. Just personal preference.

Just make sure you remember (or better yet, take note of) whether you taped or not, and how many layers. That way, when you go to refresh the edge, you'll be working on the same angle.

I've made the mistake of forgetting whether I've taped or not.

Sure, it's not an issue if you only have one or two razors. But if, like most of us, you start to accumulate razors, it can become a real problem.

Some people just make a policy of either always taping with one layer, or never taping... just so they don't have to keep track.

Mike

I only tape when setting a bevel. I set it than remove the tape and "reset" without tape. Generally this saves a ton of wear and allows for non tape finishing.

Granted each razor is different and a few have had so much spine wear that I keep that tapped edge going the full hone job.

I use one layer of tape on all my razors, just to prevent hone wear and it also keeps the bevels small. I actually honed a wedge over the weekend that needed two layers of tape, but thats the first time thats happened.

I've got a little book I keep with all the razors I have in it, and I make a note of how many layers of tape I've used in there..! Thats saved me some grief lol..!