Using a loupe when honing
Anyone use a loupe when honing to get a better look at your edge?
I bought something similar to this Amazon.com: SE 30X Illuminated Jewelers Loupe: Toys & Games a while back not knowing what to use it for and it has come in handy to examine an edge..
Really lets you know if you are done with a grit, just jump to 8k for a couple of passes and if you see deeper grind marks then move back to 4k. It takes the guess work out of it. Also good if you have any very small chips in your blade.
Using a loupe when honing
I hone under a window that receives direct sun. I use a slide viewing lens to check my bevel setting (it's 10x and 2 inch diameter).
More power might be nice but I find its tough to get enough light and field of view to get things done as quickly as I like. After setting the bevel, I basically use a lens only to appreciate what I feel on the hones.