Yes, you will get lots of conflicting replies. Personally all I have ever used is a low power loupe to see what is what. From that experience I would not go to a very high magnification scope because if I can't see a problem with a 30X loupe there is no problem with the edge for the purpose of shaving with it for me. When you are first starting to hone it will take a while to properly interpret what you are seeing anyway.

Bob