Thread: Why use tape?

What is the reasoning in using tape when honing?

What is the reasoning in using tape when establishing a bevel if one does not normally use tape?

Decrease the angle of the bevel to make it keener. And protect the spine

Decrease the angle of the bevel to make it keener. And protect the spine

Originally Posted by htmitten

What is the reasoning in using tape when honing?

Because without it my W&B wedge would be a nub of it's former self.

Largely it speeds up the honing process, can be used to correct bad geometry, and can protect the spine.

I rarely use tape, but that is just my preference.

1. Tape can protect the spine if that is important to you. I tape all the razors I hone because most are not mine;

2. Tape on the spine will reduce the surface area of the bevel, which can speed up the honing process especially on wedgier grinds;

3. Tape can be used on the edge itself while you grind away a bit at the spine to correct geometry or wear or both;

4. Taping for general purpose honing is a choice. For the sake of not having to make notes or rely on your memory each time you hone a razor (especially if you have a few of them and you hone them infrequently) I would recommend making a decision about whether you will tape or not, and then stick to it (no pun intended). Of course, you may need reconstructive taping on some razors, and in those cases you might want to take notes on what you've done and keep them somewhere accessible for future reference, but those situations are rare and slightly more advanced of course.

James.

So that new guys can ask why use tape and aggravate some of the senior members

Just kidding .... do a search for "tape" and you may find this topic has been discussed a time or two. Plenty of opinions to be found. Next do a search for HHT.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Next do a search for HHT.

I want to get my razors HHT 5 but can only get HHT 4.8 out of my current setup. Which $1000 hone will get me the rest of the way?

Originally Posted by Theseus

I want to get my razors HHT 5 but can only get HHT 4.8 out of my current setup. Which $1000 hone will get me the rest of the way?

It ain't the hone ...... The secret is to get different hair !

Don't forget to lick the hair. Saliva makes hair homogenous.

James.