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On Harts website they say to use tape when honing their razors. I have a Hart that still shaves ok but want to touch it up a bit to get a few more shaves before honing. Do I need to put tape on it for touch ups? I would think yes since that is where they set the bevel. Has anyone honed or touched up a hart without the tape? oh, and if this is not rambling enough how does a taped blade strop the same as non taped? I know the angle is minor but it is a different angle on the bevel right?
Continue to use tape when touching up, make sure you don't go into the tang with your tape though. Stropping is unaffected by tape, no need to use it there. Have fun and stay sharp.
Why would you not want to tape?
I have stropped with tape when honing and it has no effect. I strop on sailcloth between stones to refine and straighten the edge a bit before moving to the next stone and I believe makes a stronger edge.
I do not strop normally with tape though. You do not need it as a hanging strop will flex to reach the whole bevel. A Pasted strop will convex the bevel making it stronger. When honing, I am just too lazy to remove it and put it back on.
Yes, tape is a personal and here a volatile topic, but especially with custom, decorated spines or if you are new to maintenance/honing, do yourself a favor and tape. You can always take metal off… can’t put it back on.
You know I've never stropped with tape but I might give it a try, between stones, or when I'm testing with HHT. I always strip the tape, strop, try it , and if it doesn't 'get it' I go back to the hones and have to put another piece of tape on. PITA ...... AFAIC. Stropping with the tape would save me that move.
I went tapeless for a few years but came back to it maybe a year ago. It is easier just to resolve to tape everything if you have a large rotation. Trying to remember what was taped and what wasn't is an exercise in futility, unless you keep a written record of your honing ........ which is a great idea if I ever had the patience to do it.
'Done 4 Harts. The only one I didn't tape right away was one that had the smile ground out of it in error. I had to go tapeless to get the bevel & spine back to parallel. From there - all tape. If you choose no tape no big deal. Its a controversy & guys get good shaves both ways.
What is it ? 0.5º - 1º difference between tape or no tape ? That won't affect the shave, just your honing & stropping habits.
Also I don't like to strop with tape if that tape has been on a stone.