Protecting gold wash/plating

I am thinking of purchasing a SR that has gold on the spine and blade, and was wondereing if there is anything special that needs to be done when stropping or honing to protect it? I know some people put electrical tape on the spine while honing, although I was under the impression this was actually to prevent hone wear, rather than blade wear. Would this be a wise idea for this sort of decorated blade, or for all hone jobs, for that matter? What about stropping-- can this damage a gold finish?

Thanks.

As far as stropping, I have a Wacker that has a gold spine, and it has never had any ill effects. When honing however, I tape all my spines, gold or no gold. I don't have the desire to remember "which blades have been taped", so they all get it.

IMO, if one of your criteria for purchasing the razor was the gold spine, then do what you can to protect your investment...

+1. I tape all of my razors. I just don't like hone wear on the spine, and it does protect gold wash and etchings. Plus, if you're new to honing it saves you from getting uneven hone wear on an even spine which really increases the frustrations of learning to hone. I suggest learning first with tape and then decide if you want to keep taping later. Good Luck!!

Howard

Edit: srmd22, Welcome to SRP!!! Hope you have a great experience and many great shaves!

My feeling is a working razor should be free of this sissy ornamentation. Yes, I know the gold is purdy but trying to maintain it ain't worth the effort to me. if you have a Sunday razor that's a different matter but for everyday shaving you can keep the gold. Eventually you will need to polish the steel and then the gold will wear off.