Thread: What's the deal with tape?

I've always honed my razors on an old brown Belgium Coticule that was given to me by a barber. He also showed me how to use it and he never mentioned tape. I've never had to reset a bevel either but I see that coming soon since I want to get into restorations. I've watched a ton of videos and so many of them talk about using tape to protect the spine from hone wear and more tape to alter angles slightly. Every video is a bit different from the others and I'm thoroughly confused.
When do you use tape and when don't you use tape?

There are arguments for and against. The only sure thing about taping I'm aware of is that once a blade has been honed with tape, you must continue to use tape until you reset the bevel.

Other than that, opinions vary. Here's a few threads about it:

Why tape the spine?
question about tape
Tape When Honing VS. NO Tape
To tape or not to tape?
To tape or not to tape, that is the question.

The only thing I am sure about tape is it will cause an argument like what is better, 9MM or 45...

Honestly I use tape as I like a clean spine with no hone wear on new razors and on restored ones as they are either a wedge and it's needed or I don't want to mess up my work to make it clean!!!

I always use tape to protect a spine. Most of the razors I hone are not mine and deserve the protection provided by the tape, especially if it is a new razor or the blade needs extensive work.

Everybody knows a .45 is better, why even bring that up?

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

I always use tape to protect a spine. Most of the razors I hone are not mine and deserve the protection provided by the tape, especially if it is a new razor or the blade needs extensive work.

Everybody knows a .45 is better, why even bring that up?

LMAO!! What about the 40cal? Best of both worlds!!!!

I'm old school and I like the .45 cal. But as far as tape goes.....if I want to tape just to preserve the appearance, I would think something other than heavy black electrical tape would be better. A thinner hi quiality nylon tape maybe? Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by Str8Shooter

The only thing I am sure about tape is it will cause an argument like what is better, 9MM or 45...

Honestly I use tape as I like a clean spine with no hone wear on new razors and on restored ones as they are either a wedge and it's needed or I don't want to mess up my work to make it clean!!!

Clearly, 7.62 is better...

Originally Posted by Grumpy61

I'm old school and I like the .45 cal. But as far as tape goes.....if I want to tape just to preserve the appearance, I would think something other than heavy black electrical tape would be better. A thinner hi quality nylon tape maybe? Any suggestions?

Nope. Go with the electrical tape(3M). Quality stuff. It's what the honemeisters use.

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

Clearly, 7.62 is better...

Well in that case Carl, clearly the .308 or .338 Lapua is the proper choice!! 338 now holds the longest range kill shot over even the 50BMG!!!(sorry for off topic but I can talk guns all day with knives and razors!!)

Here in Oz I'm using Nitto Tape (Japanese brand) for all the razors I hone. Trouble is, once you've honed with a particular type you need to stick to it unless you're prepared to reset bevels and start from scratch. It is bothersome having to swap the tape out regularly, but I'm a stickler for spine preservation.

Yea tape is mostly to protect fancy spines and cut down on hone wear. Also with some razors like wedges the tape can assist in honing by altering the angle and making things a bit easier for you.

10mm for handguns.