Thread: Will cheap tape clog my stones?

i have the Norton 220/1000 and 4/8k stones and have been able to hone and use my razors for the last 2 years, always using tape but i have tried finishing with 2 layers a couple times with mixed results ( i don't really have enough experience do have a good opinion).

my question is whether cheap electrical tape will clog my stones faster, and if so, what do you use? (as in brands, types, etc)

(please note that this is not a "to tape or not to tape" thread as that is another huge discussion)

When I use tape, rarely now, I use 3M Super 39+. I am assuming that being of high quality, as tapes go, it will be more consistent in thickness but I'm not certain. I've never had a problem with tape loading up on stones. Pressure might cause that but I don't use too much.

I don't think there is any difference but the thickness of the tape

I use 3m. I have noticed on 1k the swarf will turn reddish brown as I use red tape. So in that regard seems like a good idea to use some colored tape to give an indication of how much wear the tape undergoes.

but it does not appear to clog the stones at all

I use 3m

I tried the cheap ACE brand made in China "ONCE" and yes it did clog up my low grit Naniwas, never had a problem with the Norton's though even with that junk tape...

Just place the hone under running water and rub it off the hone. That will remove both the tape residue and the swarf.

3M here too, its good stuff! It only really wears away for me when I'm using the 325 grit DMT. Once I get past 1k I can pretty much go through the whole honing progression with the one bit of tape.

thanks for all the replies. i bought some Scotch brand tape that seems a bit better and i will see if there is any difference. the main thing that i notice is a black/grey line along the edge of the hone (i rounded the edge just slightly when i lapped them) which i thought was metal but i wasn't sure. maybe i just need to rinse them more often? i always keep them good and wet when using them.

Cheap tape might and CAN clog a hone. Found that out the hard way. Started to think there must be something wrong, when setting bevels with Chosera 1K, the best there is, took some serious time. Now I'm 3M Super 33+ tape user, totally. Some things just are worth of every penny.

I've used lots of color-coded electricians' tape from the electrical supply house and the corner hardware-country-market. It is good tape, but not all 3m. No clogging at all. I use 3m as well, and see no difference.

Buying cheap tape* empowers cheap tape makers to bring us even more poorly made objects.

*insert any item.

I just looked at specifics of a few in the my honing area: 3m Temflex 1700c, as well as "Taiwan" E52811 No. 101, UL listed. colors: orange, yellow, white. The lighter colors make it easier to see hone wear in the tape.