Thread: Tape while useing a barber's hone?

If tape was used while honeing my razor, do I need to use tape while touching it up on the barber's hone?
Thanks for all of the interesting posts. I've learned alot just by reading.

Yes, you have to use tape.

Originally Posted by Blix

Yes, you have to use tape.

Indeed you do and what a PITA. One of the benefits I received when I stopped using tape for anything but a damascus (pattern welded) or decorated spine. OTOH, if you are using a pasted strop you don't need the tape so that is a bit more convenient and in most cases would serve the purpose. IMHO.

Thank you both. Now do you get the same results from a pasted strop as with a barber's hone, or is that prefference and skill?

Originally Posted by dlmarmon

Thank you both. Now do you get the same results from a pasted strop as with a barber's hone, or is that prefference and skill?

I would say if you want to refresh an edge, touch it up a pasted strop would be fine. I believe a barber hone is a bit coarser so it might bring a duller edge back until you can get to a hone. IOW, the pasted strop is better for enhancing a sharp edge and the barber hone if your edge is a bit further gone. I think taking such an edge to a barber hone and following with a pasted strop would be cool too. Just IMHO.

I use both a pasted balsa and a barber's hone. I don't know if my razors were honed with tape or not but, I don't use tape. After 6 shaves I do 25 laps on the balsa, followed by 100 on leather. After another 6 shaves I do 8 laps on the lathered hone, 20 laps on the balsa, followed by 100 on leather and my blades stay sharp and smooth.

Thanks all.

I've never used tape on the spine with my barber hone or my Swaty. They seem to work just fine without tape. They razors are designed for sharpening without tape; i.e., the spine makes the proper angle.

As the OP stated: If it was orig, honed with tape.