Thread: Interesting Photomicrograph

I took this photograph using my digital microscope on a newly arrived Gold Dollar 208 razor. I can see visually why the razor, just out of the box is so keen. Maybe because I'm so new on this forum you old-timers are aware of the visual evidence that can be had by using a digital microscope to see the effect of honing style and equipment. I do plan on educating myself, using as much visual evidence as possible, to determine if there really is a difference between honing at 12K vs. 30k or higher.... as well as to determine the scratch effects on the blade from various stones/grade/manufacturer, etc. Please let me know if others are interested in this stuff. My regards to Dr. Matt, whose videos got me to try using my digital microscope that I use on coins to use it to visualize razor blade edges.



It will be interesting (to me) to see the difference when I hone it up at 12K and strop. And maybe look at some other techniques (I have some nanocloth strops on order as well as CBN slurries).

Saul

What magnification is this?

Originally Posted by str8tlkr

What magnification is this?

I neglected to use the built-in magnification ruler, but the scope is capable of 20x to 200x. I'm guessing that the photo was about 50x or so. By the way, the Digital Microscope I use is a Leuchtturm made in Germany and sold by several coin collector supply outfits (Wizard is a good one). It's not very expensive, about $125 or the scope, and about $200 with the accoutrements.

I probably should use the magnification ruler in the future.

Given the minute size of the bevel, I would guess that you are closer to 20x than 50x.

That looks like the Veho USB scope.

Get the lens closer to the bevel and photograph just the bevel, looking at the stria pattern and the edge.
If you zoom all the way in, you can change the magnification from min to max there is no in between.

If you want to make comparison photos, mark a spot above the bevel with a sharpie, then photo the same spot to make comparisons. Take photos using the software, not the button on the scope.

I'm thinking more like 20x as well. Not sure what looks so keen about the edge either, lol.

Gold dollars really are trash sir
don't waste your money on stuff like that
instead get a nice decent dovo or some vintage and get your hone on them
you'll see the difference

Originally Posted by realprince01

Gold dollars really are trash sir
don't waste your money on stuff like that
instead get a nice decent dovo or some vintage and get your hone on them
you'll see the difference

I think "trash" is too harsh to describe Gold Dollar razors. They certainly not the high quality as, say, Dovo.... But in terms of functionality, when properly prepped, they are equivalent to any of the premium razors. I find it kinda fun to work with GD razors to get them to a state where they are comparable, in terms of functionality, to my Dovo razors.

Some of my recent GD razors came almost shave ready right out of the box, with beautiful edge geometry. I'm playing with different prep methods (felt, nanocloth, CBN, CrOx, etc. on the GDs to see different ways to get these inexpensive razors to perform on par with premium brand razors.

Originally Posted by eKretz

I'm thinking more like 20x as well. Not sure what looks so keen about the edge either, lol.

You don't think the edge appears uniform? And has no evidence of sloppy factory initial honing?

Originally Posted by DoctorSaul

You don't think the edge appears uniform? And has no evidence of sloppy factory initial honing?

I was guessing at 10 x magnification and it's also too far away to say anything about the bevel.