Thread: Microscope for honing

I got a handheld 60 x 100 microscope for honing razors. When I set the bevel on 1k stone the bevel should look uniform with the scratches all the same? I found one razor had 2 spots on the same side that the scratches where totally different than the rest of the bevel on the same side after doing multiple passes on a 1k. Does that mean the razor is bent? Should I continue with the 1k until all the scratches are the same?

The more uniform the better. You rarely need a microscope to get a razor shave-ready. Generations of barbers got by without one.

It can't hurt. So what about the one uneven side? Continue on the 1k?

Yep!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Chet

It can't hurt.

Generations of barbers had hands-on mentoring 10 hours 6 days week. I find that using microscope is a good tool when trying to develop honing skills- gives me an better understanding of what I am doing and thus a faster learning-curve.

I use a scope mainly to check if im getting rite to the edge or to make sure im getting the very tip.

I use a scope mainly for bevel setting on a new (to me) razor. Using a Sharpie is also a good tool.

If you ever have the opportunity to watch some of the pros (Shem, Modine, Utopian, Randydance, etc.) they all use the scope.

Use a microscope. You see more what is on the bevel.a good set bevel can have some tiny chips. Hone them out before you go to the fine grits. (You can shave with those tiny chips but I hone them out.)

As you alternate between honing and looking into the microscope, it should be apparent what parts of the bevel are being cut by the hone. It you have two "spots" that stand out, then you have to make note of your honing progress and see if continued honing is reducing those spots. Basically, you need to understand what you are looking at in the scope.

And yes, you should continue on the 1k until the bevel is uniform.

If your regular strokes aren't hitting those spots, you might vary your strokes (x strokes, heel-leading, windshield-wiper, etc) and see if that helps you make honing contact with those spots.