Thread: Does honing with tape make touch-up stropping with tape, necessary?

Does honing with tape make touch-up stropping with tape, necessary? I have some TI razors and I want to protect their spines from hone wear. When I go to touch them up on pasted strops do I also need to tape them then, too?

NO !!!!!!!!!!

Strops have more than enough give to compensate

^^^ yup, the only time I'd say yes is if you have gold wash on the spine as the paste will remove it double quick.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

NO !!!!!!!!!!

Strops have more than enough give to compensate

Even paddle strops?

Yes, even with paddle strops. You don't need to use any pressure.

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

^^^ yup, the only time I'd say yes is if you have gold wash on the spine as the paste will remove it double quick.

I agree with this point and have never had a razor with a gold wash spine.

Is there any worry that the tape will remove the gold wash?

Originally Posted by 32t

I agree with this point and have never had a razor with a gold wash spine.

Is there any worry that the tape will remove the gold wash?

I've a few razors with gold wash and it's been fine but it has taken some paint off of my J A Henckels 250th anniversary razor

Edit: if the gold wash wasn't particularly well done well it could come off like the paint I suppose.

It is not necessary but it will not hurt to strop with the tape on. For example, I strop in between stones. For that I leave the tape on. Also, in some cases I will use a piece of pasted cereal box during honing on the finish side of my Dad's old giant honing block. I leave the tape on for that as well although I strongly recommend washing the blade thoroughly with soap and wiping on a cloth in between both processes so as not to cross grits between them.