Thread: Do you use Tape with Coticule?

I use one layer of tape when I have completely set the bevel and honed all the way through a progression with one layer of tape, or if there is something fancy about the razor that I want to keep free of hone wear. If the razor is just a workhorse for me, or if it's been honed w/out tape I will go straight to the coticule with no tape.

I have noticed ZERO difference in my edges from taped to no-tape honing. There have been really long and sometimes heated debates about this topic, but IME the effect of tape is negligible unless you are trying to prevent any look of honewear, or you are trying to get through chips quicker (but in that case I still only use 1 layer).

I think if you used to the feel of tape it may take awhile to get those same results without. Some may be better at switching between with no problem.

Technically Sham is correct there should be no real difference in sharpness.

Except for those differences we introduce as a result of how the razor feels on the hone. continue and things will turn around I do believe

As a follow up question:

I have recently ordered the Dovo Silver Steel razor (waiting in anticipation) and I am thinking about ordering the "Bismarck". Both have gilding on the spine. Would these razors look bad after a while if I hone without taping the spine?

This will depend some on your honing skill but if all you ever do is give them an occasional touch up you'll not do much cosmetically other than polish the factory hone marks. If you chip the edge & need to reset the bevel, tape will save a lot of wear.

Most of my blades were originally honed with tape. Instead of trying to keep track of which ones are/aren't, I tape all of mine.