Thread: What do you use to view the blade edge?

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

This is true. Utopian's stereo scope has less magnification than anything I use but is far superior. OTOH, his set up will run you a mortgage payment. Mine works well, for me, for under $10. So to compensate for the poor optics, I'm at 200X. So you can either up the optics and get the detail you want or up the magnification I guess. But, in my opinion, if you're working with one of these hand held options go for the higher magnification. I have a jewelers loupe that I never use, a 100x hand held that I used to use, and now the 200x. Until something more powerful shows up, this is where I'm staying....or until I run across a stereo scope at a very agreeable price.

Here is one that is very reasonably priced and has metal body (hopefully a sign of not being cheaply made otherwise)
10X-20X-30X-60X Sharp Stereo Microscope + USB Camera

I planned to get it to use, but things got in the way so it is on the "to buy" list when the time comes.

Originally Posted by kcarlisle

Attachment 189514Available on Amazon for $7.95

I see Amazon has another that is similar:



Do you find it easy to be able to view the edge with the micromax?

Anyone have thoughts on the digital ones that are available (kinda cool to be able to capture to compare before/after)? Some reviews seems to indicate that they don't magnify as advertised, so wondering if it is worth it. Like:

http://www.amazon.com/AGPtek%C2%AE-D...Y0HTBZ8KEN787G

Thoughts?

Originally Posted by Maladroit

A X10 loupe is a good tool. A USB or conventional microscope would be better in theory but the loupe is easy to use and you won't get hung up on minute striations that probably won't affect the shave. In other words, if it's not visible on a X10 it really won't be an issue as regards shave quality.

Interesting point. I'm a beginner, so part of this is to check a good blade, and then a worn blade to see how things change. Once I get into honing, I'm guessing it would help me evaluate my work.

I'm wondering what level of magnification will be needed.

Originally Posted by pcm

I see Amazon has another that is similar:



Do you find it easy to be able to view the edge with the micromax?

Anyone have thoughts on the digital ones that are available (kinda cool to be able to capture to compare before/after)? Some reviews seems to indicate that they don't magnify as advertised, so wondering if it is worth it. Like:

http://www.amazon.com/AGPtek%C2%AE-D...Y0HTBZ8KEN787G

Thoughts?

Those digital microscopes are a PITA to use to see edges. If you can figure out to keep the blade steady while looking at it, then they will work decently IMHO.
Thing is when honing, you'd need to take a quick peak at the bevels and figure out what to do next. Fixing a blade, and refocusing a microscope every # of strokes does not seem too practical. YMMV

Originally Posted by mainaman

Here is one that is very reasonably priced and has metal body (hopefully a sign of not being cheaply made otherwise)
10X-20X-30X-60X Sharp Stereo Microscope + USB Camera

I planned to get it to use, but things got in the way so it is on the "to buy" list when the time comes.

After my last purchase, I'm on a spending lockdown for quite a while. If you get one, let us know how it is. It really does look like a good option.

Originally Posted by mainaman

Here is one that is very reasonably priced and has metal body (hopefully a sign of not being cheaply made otherwise)
10X-20X-30X-60X Sharp Stereo Microscope + USB Camera

I planned to get it to use, but things got in the way so it is on the "to buy" list when the time comes.

I think that is the one Lynn has so you should check with him. I am spoiled by the resolution of my scope so I did not care for what I saw in that one, but it does make your honing look better than in mine!
OCD is right about resolution being more important than magnification.

if you can find a cheap used Brock Magiscope I highly suggest you buy it. It is a transmission scope so the image is reversed but it has very good optics for a teaching scope. Also, the scopes that were at ashville and latest KC meetups were pretty good too. Does anyone recall ID for that scope?

Originally Posted by mainaman

Those digital microscopes are a PITA to use to see edges. If you can figure out to keep the blade steady while looking at it, then they will work decently IMHO.
Thing is when honing, you'd need to take a quick peak at the bevels and figure out what to do next. Fixing a blade, and refocusing a microscope every # of strokes does not seem too practical. YMMV

Good to know. Maybe it would be useful for before/after checking and a simple loupe during honing.

Originally Posted by pcm

Good to know. Maybe it would be useful for before/after checking and a simple loupe during honing.

Ok, Here's my 2 cents on this. A very inexpensive loupe will give you all you need to get started. Just like a Norton 4/8K will get you started honing. Then after a period of time you may find that the higher magnifications will be a helpful tool. But just like the Norton 4/8K until you learn to use it then buying a higher grade hone is a waste of money!

I'd hope that Ron will agree that to the uneducated a look through his high resolution microscope would simply baffle them as they wouldn't know what they are looking for.

With a simple 30-40X loupe someone new to honing can see if they are getting a proper bevel or is they are missing some area.

I hope this has been of some help.

I like to keep it simple and battery free. I love my Belomo 12X.

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Ok, Here's my 2 cents on this. A very inexpensive loupe will give you all you need to get started. Just like a Norton 4/8K will get you started honing. Then after a period of time you may find that the higher magnifications will be a helpful tool. But just like the Norton 4/8K until you learn to use it then buying a higher grade hone is a waste of money!

I'd hope that Ron will agree that to the uneducated a look through his high resolution microscope would simply baffle them as they wouldn't know what they are looking for.

With a simple 30-40X loupe someone new to honing can see if they are getting a proper bevel or is they are missing some area.

I hope this has been of some help.

I don't know about that.

Someone driving around in a Yugo and liking it then gets into a lexus and I think they would be very happy with the change.

As long as you're in a lower power range better quality will just look better. Maybe if you went with a high grade 300x microscope it might do more harm than good for a rookie because he wouldn't what a good edge should look like at that power.