Thread: Blade Examination

I just put my razor under 100x magnification and I am seeing some straition and the crystal structure a little bit of variation in the edge but overall smooth, I think. The problem with 100x is that I think it may be too much. Would 60x be a better choice?

It's all up to you, buddy.

If you wear glasses, Harbor Freight has a nice jeweler's loupe in 16x power that snaps right onto your glasses and that should be adequate to get a better idea of your edge. Alternatively, a regular jeweler's loupe should suffice for quick examination. IMHO, 100x is overkill for everyday usage.

If I am using familiar hones and sharpening surfaces, I stick to the 60x. If I am using something new for sharpening, I switch to 100x to get the best idea possible of what is happening to the metal.

A Jewelers loupe at 30X works fin for me in all cases.

Chris

Xtl structure? If you were using an SEM you probably couldn't see that. The striations you should be able to see with probably a good 10x magnifier. With optics its all about the resolution not the mag. Probably about 10x if its a quality unit is all you need.