Quote Originally Posted by Jnatcat View Post
I have to admit that several years ago when I started with straights that I thought about a microscope but in the beginning I just used a loupe and that as short lived as I found the easiest way for me was to shave with it and go from there.

I’m sure my edges are not on par with those that use these modern techniques but my shaves are very acceptable for my taste and the edges I have done for others seem ok as they seem to like them.

Jnatcat

You're perfectly right! People honed razors for decades with no microscope and it's always worked. As I said in my first post of this thread: "Microscope doesn't hone".
It's just a tool... a tool like any other. But, it can be useful, dependig on the approach and on particular needs.
I decided to use it because I preferred a more systematic approach in honing's learning. I can compare what i do & feel to what I see. So, I try to better understand mistakes and/or thinghs I do the right way. Moreover... how else would it have been possible, without sharing images, to receive "targeted" and invaluable advice from a mentor like Euclid440 ... being thousands of miles away?
Obviously, not everything can be solved this way ... There are too many elements that contribute to success or failure, when honing a razor. That's why I've still a lot to learn...