Thread: Tape question....

Why not just try without tape since it's easier and if the hone doesn't touch the edge (i.e. the razor was honed with a tape on the spine) then it will make no difference and you can then put on tape.
Or just put the tape and if it was honed without you'll create a secondary microbevel.

Same thing if it was honed with multiple layers of tape (yeah, believe it or not I've read people doing it - I wouldn't trust their honing job though), or a thicker tape than yours - then you won't be touching the edge until you have enough spine thickness to go to, or beyond the original amount.

Firm believer In multiple layers,Converted all my daily drivers.Finest edges yet,and thet last.
Two Bevel Honing

Yes, we had the multiple layers/bevels discussion back when Zowada first pushed the idea. Here. IIRC, at the time it was plugged as a time-saving device but perhaps the rationale has had time to develop and change in the intervening period.

In any event, the OP has three options: either (1) match the bevel angle (ie by using or not using tape as determined by testing, perhaps with a bit of magic marker); or (2) Add a steeper sub-bevel (by using more tape than was used originally - testing required); or (3) wiping away whatever non-canonical bevel angle may or may not be there (perhaps after determining what bevel angle it has by testing again). This latter option may or may not come under the banner of "touching up". In the long run, if you are going to be honing or touching up your own, I'd go for the removal of the existing bevel option. A bit more work now perhaps, but a whole lot of less trouble into the future.

Good luck!

James.

I don't mean to hijack the thread. I want to reiterate that the things I do with tape don't create a secondary, or steeper bevel. It just knocks off the micro-serrations off the already 12,000 grit edge. It is not a necessary technique. It is just for those who like to tinker. Someday, I will do a photo essay on this for my site. I did just put up a quick note on my site here:

Two Bevel Honing

The first layer of tape is just to protect the Damascus finish, nothing more. The two additional layers are for the micro-serration removal.

OT: Benjamin, If it is a new, or valuable razor, you might want one layer of tape to protect the spine. It won't hurt anything. If there is already significant hone wear on the spine, just hone it, as is.

Thx for the response Mr Z.
I don't care what it do's or how it works,The end result works for me (very well)
Do not even go to 12K anymore,no need to,8K than double tape on top of one exsisting layer right to my Finishing hones.Flys in the face of tradition,but for me it works,even I can do it and I have had blades honed by the best of the best.JMO