Want to refresh razor but unsure if previous owner used tape or not.

Howdy Gents!

I've explored some lengthy threads about whether to use tape or not but I couldn't find the answer to my question:

I am under the impression that my straight razor's previous owner used tape while honing. I bought it shave ready from SRP. Do i need to use tape if I want to refresh the edge on a 12k stone?

Background: I have been shaving with the blade for about 2 months and its tugging now, probably from inexperience at stropping, technique, etc. I bought a 12k Naniwa Superstone and I want to see if I can refresh the edge. I don't want to use CroX or sprays. New to straight razor honing but I have honing experience with knives (I can can get them shaving arm hair with my King 1k and King 6k).

Anyone have some advice? Should I tape while refreshing on the 12k or won't it matter?

I appreciate any help you gents could give me

Natureman!

If in doubt, or if in doubt about your honing abilities use 1 layer of tape...

Honestly though it probably won't make a bit of difference because the angle change from 1 layer of tape is very minute the day it is done, let alone 2 months worth of shaves later..

You can always "check the bevel" by marking the edge and lightly running it across (as honing) a finishing stone. Where the marker or whatever you use is wiped away shows you the bevel you'll be working with X amount of tape or none. Could be a fun experiment to see what actually happens this way than to "commit" to theoretical angles or philosophical ideals with no experience at all.

Knife experience only counts when you're doing major work on coarse stones with the spine lifted, so i generally advise to forget it. Razors are not knives.

When in doubt, forget me and listen to Glen.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WadePatton

Could be a fun experiment to see what actually happens this way than to "commit" to theoretical angles or philosophical ideals with no experience at all.

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And there is the correct answer :tu try it and learn :)

If your razor has gold wash or file work on its spine, you might want to use a layer of tape. Some people report micro chipping leading to harsh shaves from too many strokes on high grit synthetic stones. You may want to consider stropping after a few strokes then test shave. Repeat, if necessary. Dropping back to a lower grit stone and working back up to the 12K can be done, if necessary.

If you got it from SRP, and Lynn honed it, he doesn't use tape.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Wayne1963

If you got it from SRP, and Lynn honed it, he doesn't use tape.

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Keep in mind
SRP= Straight Razor Place (website where razor nerds gather and talk about shaving)
SRD= straight Razor Design ( website that sells wet shaving stuff and whose chief hone miester is Lynn (I believe)).

Lynn May not be who honed the OP's blade.

Correct, if the razor was purchased through SRP, rather than SRD, then it is likely that Lynn did not hone it.

Technically though, Lynn is chief honemeister of both places!

gotta agree use the 1 layer of tape & magic marker check if the ink is removed over the full bevel face ok if not either remove the tape or keep going.
I tape regardless

Substance,

What do you mean by "keep going"?

Thanks!

Correct on the marker if it rubs off the full face you know 1 layer of tape was used
if it rubs the cutting edge only no tape was used
if it rubs of the top or blade edge of the bevel only not the whole face more layers of tape were used.

as I tape regardless 1 layer for all blades to protect the spine from any or more wear, If no tape was used previously you will only be effecting the very edge with the finisher so I would leave the tape on & keep going & finish it that way
the angle difference would make a fine micro bevel from the finisher
then if you realy want later go back to the 6k with the same taping & take the bevel face back fully but it will get there eventually anyway

this is a lot more work if you go from taped to no tape as you have to reset the bevel completely

for a refresh on the Naniwa 12k you should only be looking at say 20-40 light X strokes max

either way you have the tools (1+6K's) to go back if you want to learn & have more fun