Thread: Bevel-Pyramid progression & Taped Spines

I started with tape because I was afraid of causing excessive wear due to inexperience. I honed with tape for over a year on many ebay specials and what have you. I got consistently good results with 1 layer and usually using the pyramid method.

It bothered me that Lynn didn't use tape and I couldn't convince him to change so if you can't beat 'em join 'em. Kidding aside it did bother me. I felt like if Lynn didn't use it, unless there were specific circumstances calling for it, there must be an advantage to not taping.

I finally began to experiment with honing without tape. First I took a new old stock vintage Solingen and put a micrometer to the spine's honing flats. Then I set the bevel and continued to shave ready and checked it again. There was no difference in the measurement.

So unless it is a decorated spine, a Damascus blade I am happily honing tapeless and I like it better. A different feel to the razor on the hone for sure. I am not sorry I learned with tape though. I don't know that I wouldn't have been too heavy handed in the beginning to avoid more hone wear than necessary.