Thread: How much magnification looking at edge?

I find X100 to be my go to magnification. It's about as much as you can use and still inspect the whole edge in a reasonably short period of time. X10-30 is very useful, but if X100 is available I would always go to it.

No need to go over 100x optical magnification for our needs...you just need to see whats going on at the bevels and edge...the amount of info provided under clear magnification from 30x to 100x is more then enough.
The rest can be deduced.
I would worry more about the knowledge needed to interpret the images...as knowledge is of much more value then an image. And interpreting an optical image is most of the time easier then a digitaly enhanced one.

You are not going to get better edges just by looking at them under 1000x...you need to be able to understand what you see and corelate that with your technique...and hones...razor geometry and steel.

A good understanding of an image gets you valuable feedback to adjust your technique...change a hone in the lineup....use tape to modify the angle of honing....understand what the steel can take.....slurry or no slurry...finishing on water...oil etc...and number of laps....pressure of the stroke...and where you apply the pressure...be it at the edge end by torqueing or at the spine...
There are so many variables that need to be understood before going after the ultimate magnification.

Otherwise you'll be just looking at pretty pictures

30x for me too. I have a 300x usb scope and find it frustrating to use because it gives too much detail. a 30x and some good light tells me what i need to know.

Originally Posted by bluesman7

I find X100 to be my go to magnification. It's about as much as you can use and still inspect the whole edge in a reasonably short period of time. X10-30 is very useful, but if X100 is available I would always go to it.

Victor: is your 100X a hand held device and is so would you mind telling were to buy one. I have a 60X that serves me well but I would like to
try a 100X. Thank you, Tom Du Jardin