Thread: One more to play with

Originally Posted by NewellVW

Could you tell me why you are so opposed to using tape? I don't get it! You put on what it takes to get a good, clean bevel, you peel it off, no one ever knows!!

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!

This one came today and although it's not as heavy as I like the shape is. from the looks it's not been honed before except from wade and butcher. the scales are plastic so I know it's not really really old. the scales are in good shape just dirty so I haven't made up my mind on whether to change them to horn or just clean them up good. I've got the last 3 I receive today soaking in oil and wrapped in wax paper in a zip lock bag. I will wait on working on them for a few days.

Well this is as good as I can get it. it's horn and the lead wedge at the end kept moving and I was afraid of cracking the scales so I double pined it. I haven't honed it yet but will in the next few days. I haven't made up my mind yet whether to keep it or not. Looks like an old re-grind. If I had known this I would have let it go.

Very sexy razor. Real razors have curves