Thread: Keeping the spine from wearing

How do folks limit wear on their blades' spines? After seeing some of the elaborate spine decorations on some limited edition razors, I started wondering about this.

I read somewhere (can't remember right offhand - may have been in one of the help files here) that electrical tape can be used for this purpose. (Not sure how easy it would be to completely remove the adhesive residue ... although wouldn't be as bad as duct tape I suppose. )

-Ivan

Actually, I have used Duct Tape to good effect, but there are some reservations here.

The use of any width tape (albeit minor for some) will certainly change the spine-to-edge geometry. Sometimes, depending on tape thickness, it can create a "compound angle" at the blade's bevel - another 'mini-spine' in the middle of the beveled edge!

This makes for difficult honing down the road, unless you leave the tape on. I ONLY use the tape if I have to recreate a workable edge to begin with! As far as the spine itself goes, the more decorative ones are designed so the actual filework does not touch the hone, just the spine edges do.

I think that, over time, having the spine's edges and the cutting beveled edge reduce at the same rate is key to both the longevity, and the sharpness of the blade.

If you use tape, do so with caution, and be aware of cutting edge changes.

Best -

Now is the time you discover honing videos authored by gssixgun.

3M electrical tape is my solution. One layer works for me in most cases.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

3M electrical tape is my solution. One layer works for me in most cases.

+1

When I first started honing I used the pyramid method with electrical tape on the spines and didn't have any problems. One suggestion I have is to replace the tape every once in a while, especially when down on the low grit bevel setting hones. I also never had ANY issues with there being residue left on the blade. If on the off chance you do end up with some on there just wet a rag with a little acetone and the residue will come right off (don't forget to oil afterwards). Good luck,

Andrew

If the electrical tape I am using leaves residue on the razor, I just use the sticky side of the tape to remove it. Just touch the sticky side to the residue. It takes it right off!

Originally Posted by WadePatton

Now is the time you discover honing videos authored by gssixgun.

__________________________________________________ _

You mean written, produced and directed by gssixgun!!!

Funny to see this old thread, and how things have changed through the years.

"If you use tape, do so with caution, and be aware of cutting edge changes"

if you use a razor like they did in the day just how much wear will it get. I have several vintage razors that doesn't show that much wear. some of these came from a barber shop when they used them every day. to protect the spin when honing a few times I don't think would change the angle that much and at my age now I don't think it would change the angle any. just my 2 cents worth.

I tape every razor I own and have never had issues with honing them. I'm pretty fanatical about changing the tape after each hone or during an aggressive bevel set on my 1k hone.

I use the "Duck" brand tape which is the exact same thickness as the 3M tape and leaves no adhesive on the metal like the 3M tape can.

If you do the math, the change in the angle of the bevel when using tape is pretty small.

John