Hone Helper?

[Chevhead]

So I was honing up some of the blade I just got to make sure they take a bevel before I start to restore them.
I use tape...and left a little more than usual on the end.

Anyways I got to thinking that people that are just starting out honing that this could be a sort of "handle" on the other side to make sure you are keeping the blade FLAT on the hone.

My feeling is that it will help you over time to develop the right "feel" with your honing hand so you can start to lighten up on the "tape hand" over time and get the right feel for honing one handed.

Did I stumble on a good learning tool?

Thoughts?
Good?
Bad?

Pic of what I am taking about:

[clamup1]

I left the tape long on my razors also. My honing got better without using both hands though. For each his own.

[Chevhead]

I left the tape long on my razors also. My honing got better without using both hands though. For each his own.

I use one hand also but I thought maybe it would help new honers to keep the blade flat...?

[ecks]

thats a good idea! even if not using tape for purposes of not wearing out the spine, it is possible to cut the electric tape in half and only sticky it to the side of the blade that is not making contact with the hone. then, when you change side, you can take off the tape and retape it to the other side...

what i tend to do, being new to honing, is i usually put my thumb on the toe of the blade, maybe holding it that way with the tape is a better way

[Chevhead]

thats a good idea! even if not using tape for purposes of not wearing out the spine, it is possible to cut the electric tape in half and only sticky it to the side of the blade that is not making contact with the hone. then, when you change side, you can take off the tape and retape it to the other side...

what i tend to do, being new to honing, is i usually put my thumb on the toe of the blade, maybe holding it that way with the tape is a better way

That might get tedious when you flip EVERY time...

I know what you are saying though. 20 circles flip, change tape.. 20 circles etc...

[Hirlau]

I think it will lead to an inconsistent bevel at the toe, in some cases. You will be "pulling" more than you think you are, causing more pressure than you think you are.

Beginners need to learn to keep the elbow of their honing arm up, if they want the blade to lay flat.
Just my thoughts.