Thread: Microscope use when honing

Originally Posted by crankymoose

I have a few question for anyone who owns a microscope and uses it to help with there honing.

What make, model and power of microscope are you using?

Did it help you achieve better and or more consistent edges?

I use an very old light microscope with the 100x objective. Yes it helps sooo much. you can visualy verify what good edges look like and relate it to the shave itself. You begin to try for a certin finish that helps you to define your own standard and preferences. The microscope will help you more and more over time, depending on how deep you enter the "honing for sport" category. Yet i doubt people who do it for a living day in and out would hardly need one at all.
Mike

Really good optics and very high magnification (over 500 power) will take more of the mystery out of blades and honing than a lot of people are comfortable with. But around 100 power will certainly be extremely helpful.

Has anyone used a stand up microscope for checking edges on straight razors. I see some really nice looking antique units for sale and might go that route.

Thanks

I picked up a microscope (old brass one from a school) from the local free-adds, the chap even brought it round to my house, it comes in handy even today i had a practice blade that really showed to me the difference that 10 laps of chromium oxide make to the edge its a pity that the pitting runs so close to the edge and is so deep as to make the razor un-usable

ian