Quote Originally Posted by monte6177 View Post
You might try a new method to check the results of honing as you proceed. I used the microscope for a while but now use intense light. The system is: Strong light source; eyeglasses (strong readers); optivisor (the strongest). You can see the reflection off the edge in the verticle and both sides in the horizontal. With the 4K the reflection will still be there but very small in width. The 8K will almost remove the reflection. The finish hones: coticule/15K Shapton will remove the reflection. The trick is to not overhone.

Monte
I understand how looking at the edge saves the prep and all for a test shave, but do you feel you can determine when the razor is ready with your method without test-shaving? Especially off the finishing hones - I don't really care what it looks like, I just want to feel a good edge (but I do not use your method so I have no idea how well it works)

Cheers
Ivo