Result of honing without taping spine

Hey folks,

I am curious to know, if one was to hone their SR with no tape on the spine, would this give a sharper bevel? And if that were so, in order to get that bevel would resetting the bevel be needed for the slightly new angle of honing to work?

Also, would there be consequences of honing without tape? Such as wearing down the spine, therefor increasing the difference in angle of honing furthermore gradually over time?

I just want to get that edge, where when I lightly place a hair over the edge, it slices through it rather than just bending it - or would this need be the task of something higher in grit than the 3k/8k combo I have? Such as 10k and 12k?

My original guess on why people used tape was to protect their fancy razors of damage to the spine....but my spine has no elaborate design, and has to indentations/engravings so would not effect/damage the stone either. Its the basic cheap dovo base model. But now that I am tempted to hone without tape, the former questions above come to mind.

Any input is very much appreciated, thank you!

Here is the thread with 38 replies on that topic. If you go to advanced search in the upper right corner, select "thread titles only" as your search parameter, and "tape" as your keyword, you'll find much more.

I used it on all razors my first year or so honing. Now I don't use it except on damascus or decorated spines. YMMV.

I don't think you need it unless it's to protect the spine when using a 1k setting stone or for a vintage blade where the spine has been worn down or where tape has been used constantly and is the only way to avoid resetting the bevel.

In short not there will be no noticeable difference in the edge honed with or without tape

Here

http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...-theories.html

I never use tape to hone my razors because it seems to give a different angle of bevel on the razor. I get a better edge without tape and I don't get that much noticable spine wear, once you set the bevel on a razor it should be good for a long time.