Thread: To tape or not to tape - Newbie question

First off, when you see references to more than one layer of tape we are talking about something different than honing.
We use that, as needed, to correct various geometrical issues on razors with specific challenges such as uneven hone wear and wahtnot.

Now, as for the whole tape or no tape debate, here's my take on it.
Both methods will both work just fine.

Some will use it to elliminate hone wear on the spine.
This can be useful when you have say gold wash on the spine or other stuff like filework and so on.

The whole argument about chage in angle due to the layer of tape, even when talking about honing the razor for decades is in my humble opinion a load of ballony.

So, again, either will work just fine.
It's all a matter of preference.

There are as many opinions on this as their are stew recipes I would imagine but, I have been told the tape makes very little difference to angle to worry about as it is more for keeping spine wear down,especially if your honing someone else's blade.

The issue is pretty easy and boils down to no tape = hone wear to the spine and a layer of tape = no hone wear to the spine. Take your pick. One layer of tape changes the bevel angle by about 1 degree from what I read. If the optimum bevel angle is 17 degrees you can easily go + or - 2 degrees either way and still be OK, again from what I read. The whole thing is mainly a tempest in a tea pot if it concerns razors in good condition imho.

If you are going to hone without tape I would not be using a 500 grit stone to set the bevel with to avoid excess hone wear to the spine. On a razor with no chips or corrosion on the bevel but otherwise in good shape I would set the bevel using a 3/4K hone. That alone would save a great deal of hone wear to the spine if not using tape.

Yes, I use tape on the spine as I see no reason not to.

Bob

The 500 grit stone is not for use on razors, it is way too course.

I recommend all new honers to use tape, because you will use too much pressure and grind off way too much steel off the spine, then you will have geometry issues.

There is no benefit to not using tape, certainly no downside. If you continue to use tape and the 500 grit stone, you will ruin you razor.

Use just your fine stone, it may take you longer, but you will do less damage and you may be surprised at how aggressive it may be.

Do get yourself some magnification in the 20-60x range, but anything is better than nothing.

With magnification look at the bevel and edge to see when the bevels come together and meet at the edge, then use the Chrome Oxide to strop a comfortable shaving edge. Maintain with linen and leather.