Thread: To tape or not to tape

Sometimes yes and sometimes no I have no justification for either. Honing can be such a chore for me some days that I may not have the will or energy to cut a single piece of tape let alone 2 or 3. Honestly the only problems i have with it is remembering which ones I taped and which ones I didn't. Otherwise I'm shaving damn it.

No, a hanging strop will flex enough to reach the edge no matter how much tape you used, so will a paddle.

You can strop with tape, without any issues as well, when honing between stones.

But for maintenance, strop without tape.

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

" I don't always tape, but when I do it's [Dos XX,s]Super 88, be well shaven my friends". Tc

Fixed. .

First attempt at honing today. Did not use tape. Razor was honed by previous owner using tape on the spine. I'm wanting to hone without tape. My lowest grit stone is Shapton glass 4000.
Having all these factors against me (first attempt, previously taped razor, high grit stone), I wasn't expecting great success but this is where I'm at & what I have to work with.
My question is will I ever get this razor shaveable or do I HAVE to get a coarser stone or start with a new (tapeless) razor?

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My best guess is yes. Water wears away stone right? It'll just take a long time.

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Originally Posted by Raulski

First attempt at honing today. Did not use tape. Razor was honed by previous owner using tape on the spine. I'm wanting to hone without tape. My lowest grit stone is Shapton glass 4000.
Having all these factors against me (first attempt, previously taped razor, high grit stone), I wasn't expecting great success but this is where I'm at & what I have to work with.
My question is will I ever get this razor shaveable or do I HAVE to get a coarser stone or start with a new (tapeless) razor?

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I think 3K-4K hones are normal bevel setters with the 1K hones used on really heavily bunged up blades. A razor honed with 1 layer of tape should be able to have the bevel reset on a 4K hone without tape on the spine. It may take a while and the 1K will do the job faster but is not really necessary. Patience and more time on the 4K should do it.

Bob

So, is this a new razor, vintage, was it shaving or is it a EBay/antique store find?

Does it need honing or restoration?

Why do you want to hone it without tape?

Photos of the razor would help.

It is recommended that new honers use tape, because they typically use too much pressure for too long and needlessly grind the spine. Tape will prevent this and increase the angle, making setting the bevel much easier.

A 4k can easily set a bevel on a razor that has previously been honed with tape in a few minutes. Some sharpie ink on the bevel will tell you when you are honing to the edge.

Lol honing without tape is alot like not using a condom it feels alot better but there maybe consequences.

Recently I set a bevel , with tape, on a razor then set it aside for a few days. Forgot to put the tape on and went right to 4K, with just a tad of pressure it reset the bevel. It really doesn't take much at all.

New question on tape has poped in my wee little pea brain.
I have two razors with problem spots. Likely due to my novice skills. One is a Worsty and there is a bit more wear at the stabilizer. It's a struggle to get a good hone, but only in that spot. My new love, a Le Grelot, the toe is a stuggle, not sure why yet.
Would an extra layer of tape help? Hmm?? I may give it a try after I thin the honey do list.

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