What do you use to view the blade edge?

Hi!

I would Ike to look at the razor edge after stopping (and on the new shave ready razor I have coming) to see how the edge looks and better understand what a sharp and unsnarl edge looks like. I also plan on trying honing (I read a bunch of pages, but will still have some questions on how to get started - a bewildering set of choices - will start a thread on suggestions on getting going). I'd like to be able to examine the edge before/after honing.

So... What do you use?
A loupe or microscope?
What magnification levels work? 30x? 60x? 100x?
Illuminated?

I just looking for something simple that I can use (and not struggle trying to see the edge).

Suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

PCM

as much as i dont want to admit , i use just a standard magnifying glass .. probably 6x , i have a a 10xor 20x but seems how i dont go honing razors for others unless i feel a ruff edge on my face after a 6x check and just how bright a reflection i get in the light i dont check for perfection other then how the hair comes off my face and how it feels ..lol usually this is the case !!

i do find myself on occasion using the 10x or 20x on older wedges though , for some reasons the ones i have picked up have almost all had micro chipping on the edge that isnt visual to the naked eye ...

but again i just hone for myself so long as i get an edge to were " I " want it i skip all the close inspection .. :D

BTW.. i think in the show and tell there is a link to a nice loupe !! check it out .. looks pretty nice !

Attachment 189514Available on Amazon for $7.95

Just a cheap loupe but I don't remember the power, in the 20x -40x range I think.

Bob

I use this one
http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums/...psebcea1f4.jpg

can be found on Amazon, my first one I got from ebay.

I'm not sure if my edit took so I wanted to still reply. I thought I bought mine on ebay, but it must have been Amazon. This little microscope works like a charm and I'm pretty sure you will be very satisfied with it. I was checking out all kinds of digital microscopes and found this one gave the best magnification, but couldn't record it because it wasn't electronic. I bought mine several years ago, so maybe there's something digital available now.

Mainaman,

What is the power of that one? I'm always looking for a better mouse trap, but it looks like that one is only 30x.

I use something similar to this, nothing trick or expensive but it gets the job done and done well.

Amazon.com: Illuminated Jewelers Eye Loupe 40x-25mm with Led Lighting: Office Products

I see there is some glare that may make it hard to see the model of it. It is an MM-200, 60-100x power, LED, lighted, zoom mocroscope.

I like a 200x microscope. You can really see what's happening well. When things are going well, you can see it. When a razor isn't holding an edge, you can see that too. To me, the 30x loupes are only good for admiring your work. I can't see enough to determine exactly what's happening.

Older version of this:

Attachment 189518

Quote:

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Originally Posted by OCDshaver

I like a 200x microscope. You can really see what's happening well. When things are going well, you can see it. When a razor isn't holding an edge, you can see that too. To me, the 30x loupes are only good for admiring your work. I can't see enough to determine exactly what's happening.

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OCDshaver, where can I find a 200x? Please let me know because I am very interested in it.

Thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kcarlisle

OCDshaver, where can I find a 200x? Please let me know because I am very interested in it.

Thanks!

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http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Zoom-Ligh...00x+microscope

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kcarlisle

Mainaman,

What is the power of that one? I'm always looking for a better mouse trap, but it looks like that one is only 30x.

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mine is 30x and works great for me.
I also have 30x -60x but it has blue LED that annoys me. It also requires constant focus adjustment so it stays in the drawer as a back up.

I use 2 microscopes. For honing assessment of the bevel and edge, I use a Zeiss stereomicroscope which has magnification ranging from 11x to 63x.

For assessment of hones by examining their effects on edges, I use a Brock Magiscope with magnification capacity of 20x, 40x, 50x, 100x, 200x, and 400x. The great thing about both of these scopes is that they have great resolution.

I'm going to sound as old school as Leonardo Da Vinci but I use my eyes and this.

I'm as blind as a bat; I can't even see the big letter 'A' on the eye chart un-aided (normally I wear contact lenses, and in the evening my glasses) but when I hone I find it best to wear no glasses at all and get up really close...

Attachment 189529

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kcarlisle

Attachment 189514Available on Amazon for $7.95

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I have one of these too, although mostly I just use my eyes. I only use magnification for checking the edge on problem razors. Honing pretty much exclusively on coticules I've never bothered with magnification to help me judge my progress as I don't see the point, as strange as it may sound to some.

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.

It's all a matter of what you want to see. if all you want is the overall condition of the edge meaning chips and gross imperfections a 10x loupe is all you need. With optics resolution is everything. You can see more with a quality 10x loupe than a cheap 100x magnifier.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

It's all a matter of what you want to see. if all you want is the overall condition of the edge meaning chips and gross imperfections a 10x loupe is all you need. With optics resolution is everything. You can see more with a quality 10x loupe than a cheap 100x magnifier.

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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.

Quote:

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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.

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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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kcarlisle

Attachment 189514Available on Amazon for $7.95

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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?

Quote:

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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.

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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.

Quote:

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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?

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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

Quote:

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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.

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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.

Quote:

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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.

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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?

Quote:

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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

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

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Originally Posted by pcm

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

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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.

Quote:

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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.

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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.

I do not use my usb scope every time I hone. But I do use it on problem blades/edges. I mounted this one in the corner of my shop by a window using a macro focusing rail. It allows easy adjustment and focusing plus it allows tracking along the blade edge by turning the horizontal knob.

Attachment 189593

This is a 8k edge.

Attachment 189594

This is a jnat on slurry edge.

Attachment 189595

I use these for training and for general use and at the sink for finalizing a blade. 60X
Attachment 189599
Cheap on Amazon and the 'bay.
~Richard
PS, I do have a 100x stereo mic also. Use it for for hone training also

@Wirm very nice setup!

Where to find a macro focusing rail? Seems that might be ideal. I have problems tracking along the blade freehand and even with my microscope at times.

The scopes at Asheville were Meiji - TM206. Good but uses a separate light source. I' also looking for lens adapter for i.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cudarunner

I use something similar to this, nothing trick or expensive but it gets the job done and done well.

Amazon.com: Illuminated Jewelers Eye Loupe 40x-25mm with Led Lighting: Office Products

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That's what I use too. I am thinking of getting something better but as was said "it gets the job done"

I grabbed the 20-200 digital microscope from Amazon, as wanted to take pictures of my "good" blades. Well, first, it didn't work with a Mac. On the PC, it worked, but when I took pictures and saved, no file was saved with Windows 7. Also, you can't get the higher magnification, unless the object is up inside the clear plastic shroud.

I'm sending it back tomorrow. I also have a 40x loupe coming. Will see if that is ok.

I don't want to buck up on a "real" microscope at this point.