Printable View
I use 30 k loop for checking bevel under 50 watt seeling light which works well. Question is do you guys check bevel with bevel facing downward and rotating slightly or facing up towards the seeling and rotating slight or both what is the correct or best way so basicly facing floor or facing upright towards ceiling.what is it exactly i should be looking for i no how to spot a nice even bevel and chips etc is there any thing else would help determin a shave ready edge
I do whatever direction I need to see it well. I guess usually bevel up and at an angle to the loupe. Here is a quote from randydance that tells what I look for,"The edge should be free of nicks and the bevel should go all the way to the edge. If you are using a hand held microscope then the bevel will appear as one color, if there are two bevels, old and new, then the light reflects off the bevel at different angles and appears as two colors. The scratch pattern should also be uniform for both the length and width of the bevel.".
when you say scratch pattern uniform for width of bevel i take it means the scratch should go all the way ax the bevel and not brake up some pictures would be help ful i guessQuote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
Gary,
I use a 10x loupe because you don't have light problems.
Holding the loupe near to the eye, I bring the blade to the loupe until it is in focus.
Looking at the bevel, I look for a perfectly flat V and ensure it runs the length of both sides of the blade. I look at the scratch pattern or hopefully lack of it and ensure a consistency across the bevel surface. Finally I look at the edge of the bevel and blade and look to ensure there is no burr and that the edge looks sharp. You get to know what sharp looks like by examining razors that have an edge that shaves comfortably.
Not all loupes work he same and cheap Chinese imports often magnify a lot less than the stated spec. This leads many to go up to a 30x loupe but that brings a light problem and makes the loupe much harder to use.
Honestly, I'm incredibly impressed that you can even use the 30x.
I use the black marker test and the loupe to make sure the edge is being honed.
When i get it in right place its fine but fiddly i might get 10k
It is fiddly but it does come in handy i use black marker but loop helps see the egde in good detailQuote:
Originally Posted by Leighton
I have noticed the serrations all go in same direction and after honing are only very faint would that be ok reducing scratch pattern does that create smoothnessQuote:
Originally Posted by English
I use this loupe here . It is 30x with an objective of 21mm. It has triplet lenses and is of a high quality. I put the loupe up against the spine of the razor at the hinge of the loupe. Then I bring it to my eye. I use a lamp to provide light. I may have to angle everything to get the desired result. To look at the reverse side of the blade I use a bit of a different technique that I can't describe easily ......so I won't. :D :shrug: If you have one you'll get the idea when you fool with it.
I use a 20x by BelOmo, from amateur geologist. I love it so much I bought a 10x. The 20x is a quadruplet loupe, IIRC. The picture is very clear, I highly recommend it if your looking for a loupe.
I made the comment about the 30x because I can't see a higher magnification offering anything more without going to a full microscope. Its hard enough focusing the 20x.
That, and most of the reviews I've read about the 30x loupes put them at 20x or 15x true magnification.
I have been using a 30x loupe for some time now. My setup for using it is pretty simple. I setup a lamp about two feet away from my face at about eye level, usually over a desk or table. The kind of bulb I have been using is a 60 watt daylight incandescent. I hold the razor sideways by the handle/tang with my left hand with the edge towards me. I set my elbows on the table or desk for support and bring the razor towards my face. I hold the loupe with my right index finger and thumb and touch my middle finger to the spine of the razor. I then rotate the razor's edge up toward the loupe until it catches the light and then I use my middle finger and distance from my face to focus. I find it easy enough to control the razor this way and it offers some support and stability. The hardest part, which isn't that hard, is getting enough light to the razor. Having my hands between the razor and my face keeps me from cutting my face on it. If I want to look at the other side, I just rotate my left arm 180 degrees.
It's nice to have the 30x, but it does make a razor seem awfully long. As far as knowing the difference between an exceptional edge and a lesser one, I couldn't tell you.
I agree, I can't see a 30x loupe enabling us to tell an exceptional edge from an adequate one. Hence, I only use it to test the bevel.Quote:
Originally Posted by crazycliff200843
I use it to check out the edge for chips and to see if the bevel is single and consistent. I also have an old B&L stereo microscope set up with 30x as well. One of these days I will check ebay and see if I can find higher power lenses that will fit it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Leighton
It does for me Gary. Some hones leave a mirror finish (with a few scratches) some Japanese hones leave a hazy finish and these can also be smooth. You should be able to see a difference before and after the use of Chromium Oxide. This paste will mirror shine the edge better than most things.Quote:
Originally Posted by gary haywood
After stropping, you can even notice that the edge straightens up. This is the final thing that I look for.
Heres what I am talking about:
10x
20x
Oh yeah, I used the camera zoom, so the actual magnification is a little less than depicted.
You can see the line left over after the magic marker test. And just for fun, heres a clear shot with the 20x. I was surprised it came out so clear!
http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...f/DSC00911.jpg
Where can i get 10k or 20k loop from?
great pictures thank you
Well, I saw you ordered one of those big 36mm ones. I got mine from amateurgeologist. Belomo variety. After doing research on the net, they came highly recommended. And I must say, they are very good. So good, I'm selling my B&L.