Thread: Refreshing an edge with tape on the spine.

I have a few razors that are just at the point of needing a refresh. Here is my question:

When I hone, I use a single layer of tape on the spine start to finish. These I want to refresh do not need a bevel set so I was just going to do a Gssixgun approved "16K slurry set" on the blades with my shapton 16K. I am not sure if the original honing was done with tape or not.

Can I use the tape for the refresh and get good results even if the original honing was done without tape? If not, what can I do short of a full re-honing to be sure the edge is correct with the tape?

Thanks for your input.

Input from novice:
I think you're good to go with tape. If nothing else you may not be hitting the whole bevel width, but that doesn't matter, cause you'll be hitting the edge. On the other hand if they were honed with tape and you don't use any, you may find you're not getting to the edge.
I've had a couple that were bevel set with no tape, and I use tape on the finishing (8k and up) with no issues.

+1

Tape away and be happy.

-john

Sure, not a problem (as RoyalCake said). The worst thing that can happen is that you end up with a "micro-bevel" that extends across most of the original bevel. Many find this to be a desirable outcome. Also, the difference in the bevel angle with and without a layer of tape is miniscule and it doesn't take long to hone through that difference. This is especially true with Glass Stones which are quite aggressive for their grit size and after a second refresh, if not this one, the difference will be gone.


rs,
Tack

The only thing that you do when using tape if it was not honed originally with tape is to create a small micro bevel which should not hurt anything. As was stated above, so long as you refresh the entire edge, you should be fine.

Have fun.

Originally Posted by RoyalCake

Input from novice:
I think you're good to go with tape. If nothing else you may not be hitting the whole bevel width, but that doesn't matter, cause you'll be hitting the edge. On the other hand if they were honed with tape and you don't use any, you may find you're not getting to the edge.
I've had a couple that were bevel set with no tape, and I use tape on the finishing (8k and up) with no issues.

Royal Cake is spot on about the tape issue, but I would say that if you were just doing a simple refresh of an edge that is just starting to tug a bit a 'full slurry refresh' would be a bit of an overkill. Best to just try a few very light laps on the 16k with just water. I would go with maybe 5-10 very smooth and light laps, then strop on linen and leather and see how that works for you. JMHO....

+1 Tape, tape and maybe two layers of tape if it's a wedge.

This certainly answers my question. Thanks everyone. Normally, I would try the .5 diamond on hard felt first, but it seems to be a little bit harsh sometimes, so I figured I would hit the stones and see.

Another question: I have .5 diamond on felt, and Chromium oxide on felt as well. I haven't used the chromium yet, but wonder if anyone has found a noticeable difference between the two. Of course I could just try and see for myself, but I figured I would get a little input.

I've heard some say the diamond is a little harsher than the crox. Try the difference, your opinion might be just the opposite.

They are actually pretty close with regard to results. The key is to use just a few strokes with either and light pressure. I normally recommend 4-7 strokes. You can do a few more if needed, but that usually works to refresh your edge.