Quote Originally Posted by JimmyHAD View Post
Sure. If it is gassing the scales have to go.

Paul, I've seen those shape chips on razors from time to time. Throwing a piece of tape on there will give you a slightly steeper angle, which may lead to a stronger edge. So minuet that I don't know that it will matter. I hate using more than one layer though.

I honed with tape (one layer) my first year because I wanted to be sure of my ability before going 'naked.' After a year, with some confidence, I went without tape. Maybe a year later I went back to one layer. I do like the smoother feel of the blade on the stone without the tape, but trying to remember which you did with, and which without became too much of a hassle. I don't keep records, though it would be better if I did.

I would suggest a bit of synthetic action on the Sheffield. Particularly on the bevel setting. Naturals are fun, but they are not as efficient in the earlier stages of honing. AFAIC. YMMV.
The only natural I can imagine using to dig chips out is a coticule, or perhaps a soft Arkie with coticule slurry. A good Washita with the proper surfacing might change my mind on that, but I've yet to have the pleasure of using one.

I too like the feedback of naked steel on stone. That's one of the reasons I steer clear of razors that have been blacked, stamped, etched, or are just too clean otherwise. I'll stick to hardware store razors and things that have already been kissed by a hone for the time being.