Thread: To tape or not to tape, that is the question.

I taped my first year because I was afraid of spine wear. I know of more than one honemeister who tapes all razors. I know of more than one who only tape damascus or decorated spines. Also those that are specifically requested by the customer.

Personally after a year of honing I began to experiment with not using tape. I meaured the spine of a NOS full hollow Solingen with a micrometer. Set the bevel and honed it up to shave ready. Measured the spine after the honing and there was no appreciable difference in the before and after measurement.

So for the last couple of years I only use tape for certain applications and TBH I hate honing with tape. AFAIC it is a PITA. I also think that by honing properly without tape a geometric relationship is developed between the spine and edge that cannot happen if the spine is taped. Just IMHO. YMMV.