I listened to Joe Chandler tonight and taped my #3 wapi when honing....

Result... bevel set and honed in about 90 minutes with no spine wear or blade scratches.

I think this may be the sharpest edge I've gotten yet. This will be determined by shaving but it certainly takes arm hair off like butter.

But/And

The bevel shoulder is half the height of my first two attempts.
On the first two attempts I have significant spine wear and a long bevel.

I have read lot's of discussion about honing razor without tape to keep the "angles" consistent over time and thought that sounded like a good theory but taping the spine seems to be keeping me from chewing up a lot of steel.

1. Does this suggest I am putting too much "weight" on the spine when I am honing or am I completely confused?

2. Is the theory of keeping the angles even good but unrealistic?

3 Is a long bevel any sharper than a short bevel / and which is more durable given a good edge?

Thanks,
Bob