Honing custom razors

Question: does one hone customs with what ever one prefers or is it best to try to use the same methods and equipment as the maker?

I think the only real variable that matters is whether or not the maker honed the razor with tape. Most do.

Most custom makers use a layer of tape, aside from that hone aways with your preferred method and enjoy

if you really liked the edge, you might inquire about the final finisher otherwise hit with whatever you like.

It's your razor. Do it like you feel it.

But if you go from taped to untaped honing, you will be setting the bevel from scratch.

FWIW I never use tape unless it is made necessary by the geometry of the razor, and I would never buy a brand new hollowground razor that requires taped honing. (That comes about from trying to make too big a razor from too thin a piece of steel.)

Thanks guy...will get organized and give it a go...just didn't want to create a problem more than a beginner probably will in the first place...lol.

I'd hone it the same way I do every other razor. If i was keeping it forever (not get tired of it and sell it off), i'd go no tape. I also personally wouldn't get anything in damascus as honing it without tape would mess up the forced finish to highlight the different metals in the damascus.