Thread: Some advice needed

Originally Posted by Badgister

I didn't know there was a standard for edge viewing. I have always used a Belomo 12x to great satisfaction.

Perhaps I should have said, most often recommended (until this thread, anyway).

Originally Posted by Badgister

I didn't know there was a standard for edge viewing. I have always used a Belomo 12x to great satisfaction.

Same here. I use the belomo 10x. Love it.

You don't need anything between the edge and your eyes. That is if you are not wearing glasses. The bevel setting is the most important part of the honing, and any irregularities on the edge are visible without any magnification, you just have to see the edge properly, reflection from a strong light source, checking the edge on different angles.
As for the next steps, the in between stones leave a less than mirror finish and, like the 1k stone shave arm hair, and the finishers usually leave a mirror finish. If the whole edge does not look uniform, even on small spots, then you need more work on that or the previous step. You can get a magnifying loupe, a microscope, your neighbor, or even a honemeister to check the edge. In the end, what you can see with magnification, you can see it without, or you simply don't need to. Spend time on honing for learning how to hone. Don't spend money for it.

Deutsche Optic has a variety of quality mags. Not cheap but good stuff.

I use one of their mags which is actually 6x and works fine for me. if I need more I have a Zeiss hand lens, they can be found online if you do a search.