Black tape residue on my hones

**NaeFairtex** · 08-05-2010, 09:09 PM

The tape I'm using tends to leave a slightly noticeable residue or slurry on my 8k. Is this indicative of bad technic or is it normal? Also will this affect my edge's contact with the grit?

I've been practicing with a few stones to get my bearings and a cheap razor recently and wanting to be careful before I move up to my nicer razors.

I should also note that after I run the razor through 4k/8k and ch12k, the edge is nice and smooth and pops hairs with ease.

**zib** · 08-05-2010, 09:14 PM

A pic would be helpful. Is the tape leaving a black slurry, or is the hone removing steel? Good call practicing on cheap razors...That's exactly how you learn, what I would recommend....

I'm guessing your talking about a Norton...?

**Bill S** · 08-05-2010, 09:24 PM

If the residue is from the tape as opposed to swarf from the razor. I would do two things. First, get a better grade of tape. Second, change the tape once in a while if you are doing a lot of heavy honing ( bearing in mind the the fewer strokes the better, when it comes to honing).

As Zib suggests, you may just be seeing swarf, which is normal.

**Sailor** · 08-05-2010, 09:32 PM

Buy yourself some tape different color than black. Red or white. Then it is easy to see if the color comes from the blade or tape.

**gssixgun** · 08-05-2010, 09:40 PM

3M, yes it does make a difference, exactly for the reason you mentioned...

Also there are basically 3/4 steps in the honing process
Bevel set
Sharpening
Polishing
Finishing (maybe)

If you are going to use tape, I would at least change the tape after the bevel set, and before the polishing/finishing....

JMHO

**kevint** · 08-05-2010, 09:41 PM

I use red. never noticed coloring beyond 1k. If it is the tape-could be a sign of too much pressure on the spine-which is a bit different than just saying too much pressure.

**Utopian** · 08-05-2010, 10:05 PM

Glen thinks he's OCD, but...

I use black tape for bevel setting, brown for sharpening, and red for polishing!

That way if I walk away from honing multiple razors I know at least approximately where I left off!

**gssixgun** · 08-05-2010, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by Utopian

Glen thinks he's OCD, but...

I use black tape for bevel setting, brown for sharpening, and red for polishing!

That way if I walk away from honing multiple razors I know at least approximately where I left off!

HA !!!! I love that idea

But why are you walking away man,???? Get back and finish with the honing

**Utopian** · 08-05-2010, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by gssixgun

HA !!!! I love that idea

But why are you walking away man,???? Get back and finish with the honing

It's odd but despite being diagnosed as autistic as a kid, I was diagnosed as ADD as an adult. I think it's all a crock but I AM very easily distracted. The trick for me is to just keep going back and forth between multiple tasks in the vain hope that eventually some of them will get done. They usually don't!

Oh, and Glen, make sure to use the red tape last. The blades end up getting sharper if you use the red tape.

**NaeFairtex** · 08-06-2010, 07:50 AM

The coloration is different from when I see the metal being removed. It's more of a streak that doesn't move around with the water on the stone. When I hold the razor for the strokes, I'm trying to have a light touch and not put extra pressure on the blade.

I am not able to hold the edge flat on the stone with one hand yet so I use my index finger on the toe during the passes.

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