Tape when honing = tape on balsa?

**Zephyr** · 08-12-2011, 09:55 PM

Once I was told that it's never necessary to tape the spine when finishing or touching up a razor on a pasted balsa strop, but lately I have been thinking about this, and have started to question this statement.

When a razor is honed with tape the angle of the bevel will be slightly different than without, wouldn't this also affect the result when using a balsa strop?

**thewatermark** · 08-12-2011, 10:02 PM

I leave the tape on when I finish on my balsa crox paddle strop, then take it off to strop on the leather. But again that's just me and how I have always done it

**hi_bud_gl** · 08-12-2011, 10:06 PM

The best yes keep tape on.
i doubt if you do without tape(specially blade honed just one layer of tape) will hurt your blade.
Balsa will cover 1 layer tape thickness by bending(not sure correct word).
hope this helps.

Originally Posted by thewatermark

I leave the tape on when I finish on my balsa crox paddle strop, then take it off to strop on the leather. But again that's just me and how I have always done it

**holli4pirating** · 08-12-2011, 10:25 PM

I have read that tape should not be needed on a hanging strop, because they have give, bit balsa does not, so I would think tape would be needed. On the super rare occasions that I hone with tape and use a pasted strop (I rarely do either, let alone both), I keep the tape on during the stropping anyway.

**tfrod** · 08-13-2011, 12:37 AM

I had been wondering this same thing. Thanks for the answers.

**Zephyr** · 08-13-2011, 10:14 AM

Thanks gyus, I guess I sums up to what I expected: It will probably not be a problem to strop on balsa w/o tape, but to be sure, keep it on

**AFDavis11** · 08-13-2011, 01:42 PM

My philosophy is "if ever, than always", when it comes to tape. balsa is a flat honing method. Hanging strops don't count.

**Ryan82** · 08-13-2011, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

My philosophy is "if ever, than always", when it comes to tape. balsa is a flat honing method. Hanging strops don't count.

+1, Alan. Honing=tape, leather/linen stropping=no tape. That also means tape for balsa touch ups as well.

**randydance062449** · 08-13-2011, 05:17 PM

I leave the tape on for hard, inflexible surfaces.

**hi_bud_gl** · 08-13-2011, 07:34 PM

will you call Balsa soft and flexible Randy?
To me it has been always soft?
i never knew what is a Balsa . First time i remember Kelly brought the balsa and it seemed very soft peace of wood.

Originally Posted by randydance062449

I leave the tape on for hard, inflexible surfaces.

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