Thread: A Good Honing Tip - Using the Loupe

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.

Originally Posted by Ludvig

What do you think of the cheap glasses loups on E-bay, from china? At least they look funny, but I don't know if it would be practical.

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.

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 $?

Originally Posted by Phrank

I made an order the other day for some shaving supplies and finally, finally, decided, meh, might as well get a loupe.

Originally Posted by Wayne1963

Santa is bringing me a SRD modular paddle strop and a loupe for Christmas.

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?

i got mine at a jewelry store.
Cost me about $1,000 and they threw in a diamond ring.

Originally Posted by ne0nblakk

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 $?

That's what I got. Full metal body with lights 40x and a basic 30x triple.

Originally Posted by MBR1965

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?

Maggards have them

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 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!