Thread: To tape or not to tape

I just finished working on a Greaves that is very close to being a full wedge. Check out the before pictures. Lots of visible hone wear both at the bevel and the spine of the razor.

Now that I have the razor quite shiny, should I tape the spine or not? Normally I do, but am not sure with this one.

Opinions requested.

I generally don't like the idea of just automatically taping the spine every time you hone, but I voted "yes" because I think it's warranted in this case.

I'm one of those nut-jobs who thinks that LIGHT, EVEN spine wear is attractive. I think it adds a look of distinction just like laugh lines on a face.

However, that razor looks to me like there's an awful lot of spine wear relative to how many times it appears to be honed.

Also, it looks like a fairly full grind, and taping can make that a lot easier.

There is absolutely nothing more frustrating then spending days polishing out a blade only to have an errant piece of grit in the slurry roll along that pretty finish and muck it up.... Tape that beauty....

I tape more often now than I did earlier.
Probably because the term "hone wear" seems to have inbuilt price reduction.

haha I voted YES
seems like the really expensive metal is on the spine !!

Sometimes I think you're not all that bad .....

I voted no, but would tape if I had a real expensive razor. Mine are mostly antique store finds with light hone wear and I don't want to tape just to do a touch-up.

I voted for tape but I tape all of them so I am never on the horns of that dilemma.

Though I don't have any heavy grind razors I am a fan of using tape, especially on razors with hone wear. Works great for me.