Hey you guys, again, Thanks for your good information...primarily, I was curious about the honer removing the tape while mid-way through the hones...it didn't make sense to me...So, with your information what I'm taking away from this discussion for my use is:

1. Absent a reason to tape a spine, as Lynn's example, (protection of a Damascus or a decorative spine or major repair that will result in considerable metal removal), tape is a matter of the honer's preference, (omitting honer-wear altogether or by request of a customer).

2. If I decide to use tape, I'll use it throughout the grit/pyramid progression, only removing it at the stropping phase as though it is perhaps not the absolute wrong thing to do, it doesn't seem to serve an important purpose and therefore is something I would/will not do. With my finish wood chisels, I do set a second bevel, but, that is simply because of the mass of metal it is necessary to remove, but, that isn't what we're talking about here.

I'm not being diplomatic in my thanks, I enjoy this and do appreciate you guys taking the time to give me what you've learned over a lot of years...great group.

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Scott