Thread: Optics?

So I posted this in the honing forum because I will be using this when honing. What is a good loupe or microscope to use when honing. I don't want to spend a ton of money and under $30 would be ideal but what is the best optic to use when honing. I have never used any kind of magnification when honing. A recent thread has sparked my interest in it though and even though most of my razors I can get ready and smooth with no problem some seem like they never get there no matter what I do so I would like to know what is going on down there and figure maybe some magnification can give me a clue. So what is the ideal magnification value to figure that out and what product/brand do you suggest without having to spend a fortune. I figure I don't need to go into the 100x+ range just maybe 20x or 60x but I don't want to spend money if the product is not actually going to get me where it says it will. Thanks again guys.

One of the supply houses has a 30x jewelers loop listed with their honing supplies. In one of the threads here, someone mentioned a hand held microscope with light, I think that he said it was 60 or 100x and that he picked it up on Amazon or eBay. Good luck with the search.

I have one of these. It works fairly well at 60x for $2.80 USD

Amazon.com: Mini 60x LED UV Light Pocket Microscope Jeweler Currency Magnifier Adjustable Loupe: Office Products

This is the one I use the most for $4.66
http://www.amazon.com/30x-60x-White-...keywords=loupe

There are a bunch of loupes on Amazon for less than $10.00

Almost any magnification will help you see what is going on with the bevel and vastly improve you edges. You cannot improve, what you cannot see and if you do or can…you are just guessing.

You can buy good magnification for as little as a dollar or two.

When buying magnification look for something that is quick and easy to focus and use, lighted is better, much better.

These are two of my favorites.

The Carson 200mm Micromax 60/100X

And a 60x lighted loupe.

The 60x is very cheap and is cheaper to buy several than buying new batteries, though the batteries do last a long time.

I use the 60X. It was a gift from a friend so I have no idea where it came from. It does work well for me. Once I got a loupe and figured out what I was looking for and at my edges were my closer to my bench marks than before. Get one and figure out what you should be looking at as far as the bevel and the edge and your guessing stops. The man from Diamond Bar tells it like it is.

I just ordered the 60x. Thanks for the suggestions, gents.

Originally Posted by rolodave

I have one of these. It works fairly well at 60x for $2.80 USD

Amazon.com: Mini 60x LED UV Light Pocket Microscope Jeweler Currency Magnifier Adjustable Loupe: Office Products

This is the one I use the most for $4.66
http://www.amazon.com/30x-60x-White-...keywords=loupe

There are a bunch of loupes on Amazon for less than $10.00

Thats an awesome deal. I just ordered one myself also.