Thread: I don't like taping the spine.

Originally Posted by Chugach68

I only tape the spine with my Hart.

I only tape with my hands. My feet aren't that nimble, and my heart belongs to swmbo.

Originally Posted by Malacoda

Pretty much what Glen said.

In response to the earlier question,"Why tape at all if you're only doing it on the first grit?"

The only reason I use tape on the 1K is because I have had an instance or two where I've set the bevel without it and the gritty swarf ...1k diamond plate onto the other stones I find it not to be an issue...

This makes perfect sense, as many know and i'm sure Glen has said (where i may has picked it up) ANY time i'm using diamond-powered hones one can get "harsher" scratches in the bevel (and spine if running nekkid) that don't readily hone out with subsequent stones.

And so therefore, some of us tapers use an extra layer of tape at that point in time, to reduce such scratching from the diamonds. And what Malacoda says here runs parallel eh? Zero tape plus one layer (0+1) is the layer you use BSing on the diamond, then back to zero. Where tapers using one, would have two on the diamond (1+1), and then back to one.

Okay now on to more secrets of taping: Yes it's slow and tedious applying and removing over and over and trying not to get cut nor damage your fine workmanships. This passes with experience. I can now safely and quickly tape with my eyes closed in a squall with my shoes untied. Took a while. Residue: If the tape i'm using leaves a little residue, I simply leave it there until I do an 91% alcohol wipe of the blade-usually after CrOx. Or naphtha (the greatest residue remover ever).

Nope. The greatest tape residue remover is the tape itself. Dab the sticky side of the tape that you just pulled off (it's already in your hand so that helps make it the greatest) onto the residue and it will lift right off.

I only use tape for setting a bevel on a "ebay" razor or the such, then I remove the tape and finish the bevel set on 1K. Take into mind that I used tape for several hundred razors when I was learning before I felt that I could cause minimal wear on the spine.

After the bevel is set with tape, doesn't take long without tape to get the bevel reset.

I tape and retape because I like the ritual and what protection it affords the spine. Personal preference. Nothing more really. That's it. I've just made it part of my mental process giving myself a few more seconds to think ahead. No need to rush. I've had far better results with deliberative action.(same with shaving

Unless, as Glen mentioned, you are dealing with a troubled razor which requires multiple layers of tape to use "honing gymnastics" to hone out a problem and progress toward true bevel set. Interesting experience, that.

IT sure saves the spine ,never had that problem after the bevel has been made by the 1000k less pressure is applied to the razor on the stone.Lynn has the best video on honong a razor.

I have a collection of vintage razors mostly in mint condition. Some have been honed by a pro and he did not use tape to set the bevel. I don't want tape with anything except the 1k because I want all my razors to be consistent. When refreshing a razor, I don't want to wonder whether I need to tape it or not. On the other hand, I put some nifty wear on the spine of a Philarmonica with a 1k and don't want to repeat that mistake. As I mentioned, I have heard it is possible to use tape on the 1k to avoid damaging the spine and then remove the tape and introduce a 3k into the process before moving on to the coticule. If this works well I will always be able to refresh all my razors the same way. I'm not philosophically opposed to tape. I just want consistent refreshing procedures for all my razors.

Originally Posted by dcaven

I have a collection of vintage razors mostly in mint condition. Some have been honed by a pro and he did not use tape to set the bevel. I don't want tape with anything except the 1k because I want all my razors to be consistent. When refreshing a razor, I don't want to wonder whether I need to tape it or not. On the other hand, I put some nifty wear on the spine of a Philarmonica with a 1k and don't want to repeat that mistake. As I mentioned, I have heard it is possible to use tape on the 1k to avoid damaging the spine and then remove the tape and introduce a 3k into the process before moving on to the coticule. If this works well I will always be able to refresh all my razors the same way. I'm not philosophically opposed to tape. I just want consistent refreshing procedures for all my razors.

Well said!! Let us know how it works out for you.

Originally Posted by dcaven

I have a collection of vintage razors mostly in mint condition ...

dang, most of mine are "bubblegum stuck under the table" condition.