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I have a cheap Chinese one that I have been using and it gets the job done, but the lens isn't the greatest so you have to get used to it. I think loupes are like scopes and binoculars, the better the glass and construction the more you are going to pay.
I use 3 different kinds of magnification. An inexpensive lighted 30x loop. A 60-100x inexpensive lighted hand held magnifier and a USB scope.
Each has its own qualities and limitations.
30x is quick and easy… the first one to grab, no brainer.
60-100 X, once focused for the razor it is fairly quick and gives a better look at problem areas. Limitation, the view is inverted, eats batteries and lighting is weak. Mark problem area with a dot of sharpie ink for quick relocation.
USB scope, slow focusing and insufficient lighting, additional LED light helps tremendously. They are great documenting problems before and after photos, but too big a hassle for use while honing.
Not something you must have, but they are getting much cheaper, make sure software will work with your o/s.
Recommendation, buy inexpensive, less than $15… and your good to go.
Speed trumps detail, we are not doing microsurgery.
The 20x ones? I have some, but I wouldn't recommend them, I nearly knocked a blade into them. The dual 30/60x one with lights is pretty good though.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ludvig
I've also been considering a loupe, but figured a $5 chinese version would take quite a while and be of poor quality. Worth the $?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phrank
So, have you guys found a shave shop that sells loupes? I haven't seen them in any of the online shops; kind of surprised that they don't sell them. Where's the best place to get one?Quote:
Originally Posted by Wayne1963
i got mine at a jewelry store.
Cost me about $1,000 and they threw in a diamond ring.
That's what I got. Full metal body with lights 40x and a basic 30x triple.Quote:
Originally Posted by ne0nblakk
Maggards have themQuote:
Originally Posted by MBR1965
Following the advice on these forums, I ordered a set of three in varying powers of magnification at the same time I ordered my hones. They actually arrived before my hones, but it took me working through a couple of blades before I actually remembered to use them. Very helpful in seeing if all of the scratch pattern from a rougher hone has been worked out before moving on.
I order these
Amazon.com: 40 X 25mm Glass Lens Jeweler Loupe Magnifier With LED: Office Products
I order several at a time because the cost is less then I can buy the batteries for
This one also works pretty darn good but isn't near as fast or as easy to use
EtaTech Mini 60x LED Pocket Microscope Jeweler Magnifier Adjustable Loupe: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
Keep in mind like every thing else in this crazy hobby MAD can get ya :rofl2: and you can start chasing Magnification hehehe
I have like three microscopes and numurous different magnifiers laying around everywhere .. But honestly the one I use everyday is the first one I linked...
Caveat or as we say on SRP YMMV - Everyone's eyes are different so what works great for one of us might not work as great for another, guess you have to try them out and see..
IIRC it was Noswad at the last Denver meetup that had a magnifing glass that was the most awesome one I had ever used, that is one I would love to find :) Had good clear Magnification, a huge lens and Blue or White light...
Thanks for the info and recommendations on loupes. I ended up ordering 3 of the first one you linked, gssixgun. I think I actually saw you using one like this in a honing video, but wasn't sure it was that cheap kind from amazon. Thanks!