Thread: Electrical tape...Multiple layers?

Well at least this is a topic everyone agrees on. Kidding aside, IME, and only IMO .... I started with one layer of tape because I was worried about wearing the spine when I began honing. I continued with that for about a year and began experimenting with honing without tape. Using a micrometer to measure a spine on a razor with no hone wear at the start I found that after setting a bevel and doing pyramids and finishing there was no measurable difference in the spine measurement from that session.

Since then I don't use tape unless I have a specific reason. Three layers of tape might be used on an old Sheffield wedge to increase the honing angle. The primary purpose being to decrease the amount of steel needing removal and create a narrower bevel.

If you have one or more large chips to remove than tape will protect the spine until you've gotten to a place where your chips are gone and you can begin normal bevel setting. If it is a long honing session the tape will wear and may need to be replaced every so often to maintain the same angle. This didn't occur to me when I used it routinely but Utopian pointed it out to me.

Some guys, Tim Zowada being one, like to finish a razor and than add tape to create a double bevel. They feel that gives a more durable edge. Of course on a decorated spine or a Damascus blade tape is good to protect the finish. Other than that or in the case of a stubborn wedge as noted above I don't use it anymore. YMMV.