Razor Examination with Microscope

**LarryAndro** · 08-16-2009, 01:02 PM

I examine blade edges under a $12 Radio Shack microscope. I got the idea from another SRP member, so maybe this is a common practice. I don't know.

Unfortunately, when using the microscope, shake when focusing is a problem. With the addition of play dough, I now have a more usable system. I position the blade to be slightly lower than the book, move the microscope until I see the blade edge, then by putting slight pressure on the book (with my arm, which is holding the scope to my eye) I move the scope into focus. Now, it is much easier focusing on a section of the blade, either the edge or even away from the edge, by only slightly altering pressure on the book. Moving to a different section of the blade is easy also.

Pictures provided. Hopefully, this technique will be useful to others...

**Slartibartfast** · 08-16-2009, 01:04 PM

I have been using the method that Ken using in this video(about 30 seconds in). Seems to work. The book and playdoh idea is a good one though

YouTube - Kenrup Resto Part 3

**AFDavis11** · 08-16-2009, 01:23 PM

That is neat. I think I would gather less information from that angle though. Do you have a sense that you can measure the edge with your eyesight?

When I use optics I simply lay the razor down on a table edge facing me, then place the optics end on the table near but not touching the edge, then place the non-optic end on the spine. Perfect support, perfect view.

**kevint** · 08-16-2009, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

That is neat. I think I would gather less information from that angle though. Do you have a sense that you can measure the edge with your eyesight?

When I use optics I simply lay the razor down on a table edge facing me, then place the optics end on the table near but not touching the edge, then place the non-optic end on the spine. Perfect support, perfect view.

Use the same method here

**LarryAndro** · 08-16-2009, 02:43 PM

The problem I have with laying it on the table top is that I inadvertently bump the razor with my hand or finger, moving it. And, that guy holding it in his hand sure has a steadier hand than me! But, it's not a matter of finding the best way. As long as it's in focus, it's in focus!

**LarryAndro** · 08-16-2009, 02:45 PM

AFDavis11, I only showed one angle in the pictures. The most useful advantage of this method is that I can place the blade with the edge straight up and look straight down. Hand held, I would fear blunting the edge. Laying it on the table, impossible... No matter the angle you want, with the "play dough method", I can not view the blade.

**brothers** · 08-16-2009, 11:15 PM

I'm frustrated because I went into more than one Radio Shack, and also tried Best Buy, but didn't know exactly what to ask for, and what I wound up asking for was a microscope that I could connect to my desktop, and got nothing but blank looks and they've never heard of such a thing. But that's the way I do. So next time I go to a Radio Shack, exactly how do I describe this microscope to them in terms that they will understand? I'd love to have one of these. I do have a 16X jeweler's loupe, and while it is possible to see the edge, I have a difficult time getting it focused and maintaining my focus while I hold both the razor and the loupe in my hands.

**LarryAndro** · 08-16-2009, 11:33 PM

Brothers, when I went into the Radio Shack, I was there 30 minutes before they found one for me! It was in their inventory, and I wouldn't leave I guess, so they kept hunting for it until they found them behind another product. But, I digress.

Here's the description of the product taken from the packaging...

Radio Shack Illuminated Mini Microscope, catalog# 63-1313. It requires 2 AAA batteries, and magnifies 60x to 100x.

**Slartibartfast** · 08-16-2009, 11:43 PM

Originally Posted by LarryAndro

Brothers, when I went into the Radio Shack, I was there 30 minutes before they found one for me! It was in their inventory, and I wouldn't leave I guess, so they kept hunting for it until they found them behind another product. But, I digress.

Here's the description of the product taken from the packaging...

Radio Shack Illuminated Mini Microscope, catalog# 63-1313. It requires 2 AAA batteries, and magnifies 60x to 100x.

One thing i will add... This scope eats batteries like nobody's business.

**brothers** · 08-16-2009, 11:48 PM

Thanks for the info. Next chance I get, I'll take another run at it.

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