I normally use Thumb Pad myself, actually, I only do it with a new blade, or Ebay, which I don't really use these days. Any new razors I buy are from respected vendors, so they'll be sharp, but if your new, and buying ebay razors, These new tests may be helpful to some. We get a diverse crowd here, young and old, so it your the later, Pick yourself up a jeweler's loupe, they are quite helpful when checking out your bevel....I don't own or use a microscope, I've never had the need, but many guys buy them too.
After you see the blade at 200x you may not want to shave ever again.....