Thread: Why Tape The Spine of a Straight Razor?

Yeah I really only use tape on fancy spines or spines with some really wacky honewear. No reason why I don't use it all the time except for the fact that it's just another step to do and isn't really necessary if the the spine isn't all wonky.

Originally Posted by guitstik

I don't use tape and I won't get into why.

Nobody cares !

I was not a tape guy until I found this stuff. My ol Lady works in a body shop and brought a roll home. so, I figured I would give it a try. It has worked so much better than electrical tape, I am using it full time.

Here is a contact to get samples of the different tapes.

HVACÂ*::Â*Venture Tape

Here is a listing on amazon. I get at least 3 pieces out of every 6 inches of tape. It is 120 yards long, so you do the math. I am too tired

Amazon.com: VENTURE TAPE 1599B-SILVER-2X120 SILVER TAPE - 2 INCHES X 120 YARDS: Home Improvement

Fox

Originally Posted by sharptonn

The BEST thing about using a layer of quality electrical tape is that the edge is all you feel and hear upon the stone. A few times, I have grabbed one and laid it upon the hone without tape. Instant alarm! JMHO

Sharptonn, I find what you say very interesting because I like working with physical computing devices so every now and then I do use electrical tape (usually to repair one of my blunders, don't feel I'm any expert.) I have a roll of Scotch Super 88 right here which was bought because I needed the high temperature rating of the tape for an electronics project. Question: what is a quality tape for purposes of honing a razor? One that has a sound-absorbing capability? Or helps you set the bevel of the edge? Is tape color important? This thread highlights that tapes vary in thickness and you don't necessarily need electrical tape. I've read comments in other threads about using layers of tape on the razor spine. Has anyone put together a guide for what tapes to use and what thicknesses are needed for different honing tasks? I see I've asked more questions than I thought I would -- sorry for that. I'm just curious and I'll understand if there is no answer to some questions.

Thanks a lot,

Bob

I think the important thing is that the thickness remain consistent. IOW, using Super 33 on one session, and Super 88 on another might be less accurate. OTOH, the difference might be negligible. I'm betting some of our members who use tape would feel using varying thicknesses would be tantamount to 'the unpardonable sin'. I'm not saying some of our members are 'anal' ........... but .......

I don't think the variations of tape thickness in quality standard electrical tape are worth worrying over, JMO. I like using it as I don't hear or feel the spine, just the edge as I hone. I also like it quiet as I hone as well. Personal preference, I suppose!

Here's a thought, probably not a good one but....

Electrical tape acts like a little shock absorber on the scale we are talking about so its use might conceivably neutralise, or at least mitigate, some of the tiny little variations in razor angle that occur when the spine encounters a little bump or dip on the hone surface that the edge is not currently experiencing?

Granted, it's very marginal if indeed it's anything at all. But you can't deny electrical tape has more give than a plain metal spine.

Anyway, theoretical nonsense aside, I use tape because that's how I started and I'm definitely a creature of habit, or perhaps OCD.

James.

Same for me, Jimbo. I just use tape! Now adding layers to get a decent bevel is completely determined by the razor it'self.
Whole 'nother ballgame!

Originally Posted by SS502MC

Electrical tape is appox 8 mils in thickness. I was not a fan as I started out honing, but I started doing some research on tapes. Not just electrical, but other types available. I found a foil tape that is 3 mils in thickness, wears better and does not have a drag I felt with electrical tape(real or not). I comes off with no residue.

So you have to use 2.666666666666667 x more tape than someone who uses the regular tape to maintain the same angle.
Too complicated for me .

I tape because I usually am honing a razor I spent an ungodly amount of time restoring and honestly don't want to see it scratched up or flattened.

U have noticed that tape can help hide uneven hone wear at the bevel.