I use tape on every razor I hone. 3 of the best hone masters I know use tape. I learned from them. Now i'm not saying i'm as in there class but I get a decent shave off my edges and don't scratch my blade. I start out with 1K then the 3k next the 8k then 12k and I finish up with the 20K. I will at a later date add the 5K to the sys. all are the naniwa supper stone the 20 I cant spell. I guess what i'm saying is tape or no tape it's really up to you. Some blades maybe warn enough to use tape to get the bevel as you need it. I have one that I use 2 layers of tape for that reason. there are several videos on utube to watch that may help. Good luck.