I am not opposed to using tape. My post does not indicate that.
Tape is a necessity.
I don't enjoy using it and I enjoy it less with each additional layer. Why don't I enjoy it? I don't like putting it on and I really dislike losing the steel to hone contact. I use it.
TAPE, not to derail the thread too much, why use it? To protect, I get that. To correct for geometric anomalies? I get that. To fight back against careless honing in the past? I get that also.
To meander a little more: Who was the first person to apply electricians tape to the spine of a razor? It looks like the vinyl tape as we know it was introduced in the early 40's. What did the cutlers of the past do prior to the introduction of electrical tape? Did they just mess up razors for us? One of the things that make the straight razor the perfect tool that it is, is that the guide for the bevel angle (sharpening) is built into the design.
The OP's acquisition is a terrific looking razor!