New Microscope – Buyer’s remorse?
I’ve been honing razors for a while now with good results using only a 10X jeweler’s loupe. But I wanted something a bit stronger to assist me as I test new stones, pastes, honing methods, etc. Based on some recommendations in various threads, I bought a new AmScope 20X-40X stereo microscope (this one). It seems to be a quality piece of kit and produces clear images.
To test the microscope I looked at two razors: 1) a Boker that shaves like a dream, and 2) a TI that shaves, but pulls significantly. The problem is that I can detect no discernible difference between the two razors under the microscope. I was hoping that the higher magnification would be instructive, but it’s not. (I am 100% confident that I can get the TI shaving again – that’s not the issue -- but I was hoping to actually be able to SEE the difference between the two razors.)
Perhaps the microscope is best suited for inspecting the bevel setting stage only? But if so, my 10X loupe was serving this role just fine. Or maybe I don’t know what to look for? Or maybe I’m looking at the edge at the wrong angle(s)? Or maybe I need to buy the WF20X eyepiece to increase the magnification to 80X?
Anyhow, any thoughts on how to maximize the benefit of my new toy would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a million!
Brian