Abiank - you asked if anyone else had a dramatic increase in sharpness from tape. I gladly defer to the honemeisters, and covet their skills. Glen's post about the tape serving a torque function sounds well aimed. I similarly have messed w/ the double bevel, and in general, it gave me better edges. Hi_bud_gl is not a fan of the method, and I don't doubt his assessment, but I will use what works - even if it isn't considered a 'blessed' technique. I've stropped using a 45deg. heel-leading stroke, and it brought in a cranky toe. Whether to tape or not to tape - I don't care, and don't care who does care. If it works - enjoy it. I have had my finest edges from a c12k where I used 1 layer of tape for the whole process, then added a layer and did 7-20 strokes on the c12k after it dried completely. I have no doubt that as my skills get better, I will have several other options to get a satisfying edge. In the mean time, I'll let others argue with what works.