Thread: Thoughts on bevel setting and sharpness tests for newbies...

Originally Posted by Utopian

I have never bothered dreaming of any electron microscope, much less a good quality one! I use a stereo-microscope with a maximum magnification of 64X, but I generally use it in the range of only about 20X. That shows me everything I need to see.

Ron i think the best edge we could see between 20-100x. more then that just makes too much magnification.
I don't know have you ever used or seen electron microscope but i was luck couple of time. of course i was watching tissues not the straight razor edges
it is really amazing tool

Yes, I have used them and yes, I wouldn't mind having my own personal SEM in the basement! My point was simply that lower mag is usually just fine and higher can sometimes cause more confusion than help.

I have to ask. What exactly did you think licking the razor would do?

Until recently I have never used a 'scope, and really I still don't, but out of curiosity I have looked at some of (the sides of) my edges after I have done honing them. I've had a few years of good edges, despite the lack of microscopy.

So I would probably fall into the category of viewing microscopes as unnecessary equipment for honing razors. However, if you have one you should by all means use it - why waste it?

James.

90% sounds darn good to me, I have a few real SOB's which come in around the 20% mark. That said I only have 10 razors so you have way more experience than me.
I can't resist picking the scope up when on the lower grits as I'm not known for my patience. That said I am an arm hair kind of a guy from the 4K mark, but will set bevels at 4k using circles if the shaver is pretty good. For smoothness I shave test. I've had razors that will fail the HHT but have been fantastic comfy shavers, what gives??

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

I applaud your success and I concur with the first two points, but good sir may I suggest that you continue to use your microscope, it is a valuable tool.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I disagree.
The microscope is a tool, just as a hone is a tool. You can use it right or wrong but if you use it wrong, or for the wrong purpose, don't blame the tool and set it aside. I assess sharpness with my thumb. I don't use the scope to determine my progression, but I NEVER leave my 1k without checking the full length of the edge, and I never will.

Also, there is a huge difference between what is seen in a single photo and what is seen live in a microscope. I hold the blade under the objective and yes, I tilt it. Sure, tilting changes the way that light reflects off the bevel. That's exactly why I tilt it, so that I can see the edge from all the angles.

Originally Posted by randydance062449

HNSB..... it is good to see your making progress! A 90% success rate at this early stage is excellent! We do need to get together soon. I will be on a road trip starting Sept 27 and be back in town after Oct 15. Lets get together after that.

Joel.... good to see you posting here & hope to see you again also.

Thanks to both of you for the compliments.

Microscope..... I fervently agree that a scope will not tell you when the edge is sharp. The primary use is as HNSB stated, looking for micro-nicks, looking for dual bevels based on the coloration, the uniformity of the scratch pattern for both the full length of the edge ( gives you feedback on the consistency of your honing stroke) and the full width of the bevel( when the scratches do not go all the way to the edge then you have not completed the shaping of the bevel).
It is a tool and as such has limitations. Lighting is one of them!


Gotta go,

And now you know why they were promoted them to Mentor level - they agree with me. Good work guys; keep up the coaching.