Thread: Zoom range for edge inspection with microscope

What would be the best magnification range for razor edge inspection under a microscope?

60x will work, 100x for really getting in there and seeing what might not be working with the feel of a shave when used at 60x.

I usually stick to around 50x or so as it lets me postion the blade quickly as well as showing enough detail (for me).
It really depends on the quality of the scope and your lighting. I don't go much higher usually because the quality drops off as I have to use higher mag occulars and the depth of field decreases.

I use 30X and it tells me everything I need to know.
Is the edge free of nicks? (Yes is good)
Is the bevel of one color or two? (One is good, two indicates 2 different angles on the bevel)
Is the scratch pattern and texture uniform for the both the width and length of the bevel? ( Yes is good, no means that my technique needs attention or that the blade is warped)


Just my two cents,

a 10x jewlers loop has been sufficent for me.

Randy,

What type of device to you use for your 30x magnification? I'm interested in upgrading my RS microscope...

Josh

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

Randy,

What type of device to you use for your 30x magnification? I'm interested in upgrading my RS microscope...

Josh

Minolta 30X. It does have better resolution then the RS but it is no substitute for practice!

Can't say I've ever seen a Minolta scope. Do you have any links about them? I only know of their camera adapters and lenses (some of which are more or less microscope lenses for camera afaik).
You only really hear of the big four (or old wilds and the like) or chinese junk in general.

Notice all the lower end magnifications. I almost got sold on this one that had only high end magnifications. Less is definitely more when it comes to this kind of work.

Where can you pick up a scope locally(US) better then the RS