Thread: Taping the spine

Greetings,
I am enjoying the "Learning Process" as I read the posts. I don't have a razor yet, but that will soon change.

In my quest for knowledge, I came across "Taping the spine"

What's that about? My assumption is that taping thickens the spine producing a greater angle during honing. If so, wouldn't the tape bung up the stone?

Thanks for your patience with my newbie questions.

Cheers,
Rick

The short answer is here: Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki - and this entry could to with expanding, if anyone would like to help.

For the long answer, search for "taping" in the advanced search.

Hi, I've taped the spine a few times and it doesn't bung up the honing stone at all. Remember you are only using the weight of the razor to hone so without pressure it should still glide over the top.
A few simple reasons for doing it would be:
- if you have a gold plated spine it prevents it being worn.
- to change the bevel.
- if a large amount of metal needs to be removed (ie a badly chipped blade).
- some people use it to get a second edge on their honed edge which results in a shaper point.

OK note to self "need to help Robin do some rewrites on that part of the Wiki"

No razor ever "Needs" to be taped people have honed for 100's of years without it.... (now maybe some of them should have taped )

Here is a thread I just did that has some answers for you...http://straightrazorpalace.com/basic...le-honing.html

There are many many more threads in the Honing section about taping both for and against some get pretty heated.....

Rick, the tape serves two purposes. One- to protect the spine from unnecessary wear from honing the razor and Two- to concentrate the honing on the edge of the razors. But as you see, there are many opinions on the use of tape, and they are all valid. Liten to guys like Glen and Max etc., etc., etc. and you will never go wrong!

Originally Posted by gssixgun

There are many many more threads in the Honing section about taping both for and against some get pretty heated.....

Someone told me that those who tape the spine go to the ninth circle of hell after they die. I think it is in the Wiki, if I find it I will post the link.

Excellent information... Thanks for clearing up the mystery.

Cheers,
Rick