Thread: Quick question I have not seen answered...

Originally Posted by HNSB

I hardly ever use tape.
Only to protect etching or other decoration on the razor.

I don't care for the feedback difference with tape.

So basically if I go with light to no pressure tape is not "really" necessary..

Originally Posted by brooksie967

Water displacement on the 40th attempt (it's a NASA product). I've never used oil or anything other than lather/water so I can't comment.

It sounds like a good idea to keep them separate!

Originally Posted by Chevhead

So basically if I go with light to no pressure tape is not "really" necessary..

Depends on the razor & what needs doing. The only absolute is that stone abrades steel & you should be in control of where & why.

A light restoration on a hollow grind with mint geometry or a new razor can be honed with no tape & introduce minimal spine wear if you have the hands. Notice I say minimal & not nil spine wear but even from the factory there is some spine wear so the degree again is your choice.
The bevel set may take less than 5 mins on said razor & may even be achieved with a 2-5K hone.

A 100yr + wedge is another can of worms.

Originally Posted by Chevhead

So basically if I go with light to no pressure tape is not "really" necessary..

In my opinion no; especially after the bevel is set.
If anything, until you have a good feel for torque, use tape for any heavy grinding work, and then take it off to finalize the bevel set and sharpen.
That would prevent most of the hone wear.

When I do any heavy grinding, I torque the razor to reduce wear. I don't remember if the technique was easy when I was starting or not.

Originally Posted by Chevhead

So basically if I go with light to no pressure tape is not "really" necessary..


It sounds like a good idea to keep them separate!

I don't think it has anything to do with "necessity"; razors were honed for hundreds of years without the help of 3M. I just don't want any part of my razor, other than the edge , touching stone.