Thread: How to Tape a Razor, SAFELY

Thanks to Euclid for the tutorial and to Ron for the vid. Ron I've never done it that way, but it looks like a good way.

A little tip I got from Randydance when I first began this journey ......... let the tape extend past the end of the point a little bit and pinch it closed. Saves the annoyance of the tape rolling up on the end as you're honing. Not for everybody, but I've made it my default method and like it.

Thanks again to Randy for showing me so many straight razor/honing tips & tricks.

Both of these systems are pretty much what I did, right up until less then 1 second of inattention got me a slice down to the bone and 5 stitches

Since that day I have never ever not once smoothed the spine of the razor without the tape roll hanging over the end Not Ever again if I can help it..
The tape hanging down acts as a safety to keep your finger/thumb from slipping under the edge...
When you see somebody chasing the tape with scissors simply show them to touch it on the table then cut it, much like Ron is doing in his Vid, except AFTER the spine is smoothed out..
I do the pinch at the end also Jimmy but then again Randy and I were sitting down at the table together back in 08 honing so that is to be expected

It takes just a moment of the mind wandering and blood flows, so I try and eliminate as many possibilities as I can now...

Anyway great Vid and presentation I just wanted to let you know how I sliced my thumb and maybe save somebody else a cut

Yes, putting tape on is not the problem as long as your fingers are dry.

Taking it off, especially just the top layer, if 2 layers are use is the problem and made much safer, with a little bit of planning and though to, how you will remove it.

Putting the first layer on the tang, well away from the heel and edge is much safer.

Just a reminder...With a very wedgy blade, it is the bottom edge of the tape that actually defines the bevel angle. So apply the tape carefully and evenly on both sides of the blade. Or, you can use an Exacto to cut the tape equally on both sides above the bevel.
Works well either way and you will have even bevels on both sides. ( change bevel angle by the distance of the bottom of the tape from the bevel.)
~Richard

I enjoyed the thread a lot. The only thing i might add is the thickness of the tape. Each brand may be a little more or less in that category. I know that 3M has several different thickness which will effect the edge. I know this has nothing to do with the safety part of the thread but might help in some way.