Thread: Method to test stone's finish?

Wasnt it supposed to be compare without microscope? I tried that route at both around 400 and around 1K stones, and could never reliable determine which was finer, one looked finer but worked rougher. I also tried laying a bed of scratches with stone #1 and polishing out those scratches with stone 2, then polishing those scratches with stone 1. I though I might discover something with that, but no, if they are similar they polish each other out about the same. If this stuff is pretty hard to determine at these low grits, how to you think they will pan out at finishing grits? Even with a microscope, how do you plan to compare depth of cut vs width? I know you dont like the answer, but using them will teach you the most.

No really I like the answer as long as it is the truth. You have worked all this out ahead of me and quite well.


I was responding to the suggestions about trying out the abrasives on sample metal. I have done some knife work with Nickel Silver and thought because it polishes so easily it might be a simple indicator. The microscope idea was kinda to backup my naked eye observations.

What I have found so far simply echoes what you have said. The variables of pressure, stroke count, and lubricant plays hell with the scientific approach to this. I should have realized after reading the "One Stone Honing" thread this would prove fruitless. It appears there is no simple method to determine the outcome without having an outcome to judge.

I will get it all sorted out I guess in about 39995 more razors.

The microscope is fun for seeing things as they progress. Specially if you do something like a fresh razor and set new bevel to be honed with tape. and inspect it often thoughout the whole process. I now have a bunch of slices in the plastic from looking straight down on knife and sword edges. Scratches from checking out stones and my DMT plates. I am convinced small furry monsters live in the cracks of my mouse.

Applying the scientific process is great. Even though the conclusion isn't an easy one, its nice to know you have tried. Until that next theory pops in your head.

Gentlemen,

I don't understand your discrediting the use of a magnifier. Most of us look at the scratch marks on a razor and judge them against the scratch marks of known grits, which is typically synthetics. To view these scratch marks, you need magnification unless you have really, really good eyes...like superman or something. Viewing your bevels under magnification is a very useful tool, especially for learning as you can actually see what is going on. Just pick up one of those cheap Radio Shack magnifiers and you will regret trying to calibrate your tongue, whiskers, nose...you get my point.

Carson MM-200 Carson Micromax LED 60X-100X LED Lighted Pocket Microscope

Amazon.com: Carson MM-200 Carson Micromax LED 60X-100X LED Lighted Pocket Microscope: Sports & Outdoors

Is the one I reference in a previous post. Bit tough to get focused, but it stays well when there. 16 bux and a world of fun, even beyond the bevel.

This was my first one: Illuminated Microscope - RadioShack.com

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Its the 2 hour stretch before quittin time, please forgive me!

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Gentlemen,

I don't understand your discrediting the use of a magnifier.

My intention was not to discredit using a magnifier but rather discover a method which would discern the relative aggressiveness of unknown hones. I use a stereo microscope at 45X when I hone my razors as my hands are damaged and I can't rely on feel. What result others might achieve with say 20 x-strokes may well take me many more. The scope allows me to judge my results more directly without relying on my hands.
I watch videos of gssixgun or Lynn with great appreciation as they accomplish in minutes what likely takes me hours if I can achieve the same results at all.

The result of my experiments of the past days has been rewarding. It is obvious to me there is no shortcut to the shave test. I have also discovered the barber's hone I recently obtained(HSB&CO OVB 1096) makes a really wonderful finishing stone. I have been shaving from an 8k Norton(a few passes on Crox strop) but felt something lacking . Gssixgun sold me a DamnFineShaver recently which shaves like butter. The new finisher gets me closer to my newest high mark. Glen : does amazing work and someday when I grow up I hope to be as skilled but for now I am one step closer.

Only 39995 more razors to go.

snap, ballin son! that stereo microscope may help you determine the depth of the cut. or at least be able to estimate them. Since you got both eyes working, you do have depth perception. You may want to continue you thought train of the scratch pattern on metal, maybe try some different metals and take notes. I had a brief thought of using the focus to chart depth, but your into uber expensive equipment there for that kind of precision. But the again, I dont think a stereo microscope is that cheap either.

The problem with trying to match Lynn's, Glen's or any other pro's edge is that they are always "learning" as well. You will one day get the "feel" and from there it will continue to improve, enjoy the journey!