Thread: Taped spine, edge maintenance

I was just wondering....If the razor is honed with a taped spine, how does this affect edge maintenance?

Is subsequent stropping (without tape) any more or less effective in maintaining the sharpness of the edge?

I wouldn't think so, given that the difference in the bevel angle is so slight, but I'm not sure.

Comments?

The strop has give, so you can strop normally (pasted or leather). But if you want to do a touchup on a hone, you'd need to match the bevel angle (tape thickness) it was honed with.

If I touch up on a paddle strop, which is also a firm foundation, I put the tape on the spine. For me this is usually with a Paddle Strop and Crox.

If you're talking just plain leather, I guess it doesn't make much difference till you use a hanging strop. If you plan on using a paddle strop, it's got to be the king which allow the leather to curve in a bit, i which case you shouldn't face any issues stropping your blade.

I leave the spine un-taped unless going to stones. I have yet to feel or be able to tell a difference on any razor as of yet. Also, since you aren't removing steel (unless using pastes or sprays, and that's on such a small scale, microns that is) it doesn't change the angle.