Thread: Dumb Beginner's tape trick

Tonight I just had to hone up a razor. Problem arose as I couldn't find my black vinyl tape.

I used Scotch Packing tape. It was a little difficult to handle as it had to be cut for width as well as length.

I did 40 passes or more on 6K and more on 8K and finished on Thuri.

NO TAPE WEAR. None. Nada. smooth as silk and no residue on stone or blade.

Haven't tried it on 1K setting bevel but my 6K will get all gummed up with black.

Even the 8K will grind done the vinyl tape.

If it works this well on a 1K stone I am going hunting for 1/2 inch wide packing tape and not looking back.

MMHV

Hmmmm,,, Very very interesting,, I have some Duck packing tape right here, and 12 razors that need honing, me thinks I shall try your idea

Did you use just one layer? Scotch packing tape is only .002 thick. tough stuff for sure.

A single layer of clear packing tape. This particular roll is the Staples branded clear on a red plastic dispenser. I have found it identical to the 3m branded item usually hanging beside it in the stores. I will do some bevel setting tonight testing how well it holds up on a 1K stone.

This sounds interesting. I'll be following to see where we go from here.

I never have a problem with electrical tape. I have never had gum on the razor on hone afterwards. I think I will stick with it.

Originally Posted by sleekandsmooth

I never have a problem with electrical tape. I have never had gum on the razor on hone afterwards. I think I will stick with it.

Well probably my lack of experience is showing here but I find it necessary to change the black tape often while honing. Nearly everytime I change a stone and more frequently if I stay on one stone for a long time.

MMHV

Originally Posted by jaswarb

Well probably my lack of experience is showing here but I find it necessary to change the black tape often while honing. Nearly everytime I change a stone and more frequently if I stay on one stone for a long time.

MMHV

that being the case I would suspect you're using more pressure than is necessary .... or advisable .... OTOH, I could be wrong, I was wrong once before.

Impressions: Compared to my normal #700 3M Electrical tape

Good,
Performance was as good perhaps better
Very slick feel
I could feel the edge easily
No problems with water
Less wear than the Electrical tape and I was pushing it

Bad.
Wrong size
You have to trim
Can't see it
If you mess up the application at all, that piece is trashed
Hard to apply
Harder to remove


Thoughts,
Not a bad idea at all, not sure if it is better than Electrical tape because of the problems with application and removal but it is an option, especially if it were the right size on a roll....


Thanks for the suggestion

Glen, your thoughts on the thickness being a third of 3M elec