Thread: Microscope to recommend

Hello all,

Does anyone have some recommendations on a microscope that they use/have used? I am wanting to get one. I was just wanting to find out if hand held or digital is better. What strengths are sufficient. And where to get one for a reasonable price ($25-30 or maybe under).

In the world of straight shaving, I guess any price is reasonable if you want it bad enough.

Thanks

Radio Shack 60 -100 power, about $15.00, lighted cant go wrong.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Radio Shack 60 -100 power, about $15.00, lighted cant go wrong.

What he said(maybe),best bang for the buck.Worst thing I ever did when I started honing my own blades (3 yrs now) I traded for a B&L 100 Power Bino.I saw things you do not want to see which in turn made honing a razor an hrs long ordeal not to mention transforming a 5/8 into a 3/8
Went back to my 10 power loop,Life is better now

The question is what do you want to see? Do you want to see the bacteria on the edge or the metal molecules or just see if there are any chips or irregularities in the edge?

Being an old rockhound I have a variety of hand lenses and a Bino Microscope and to tell you the truth I have a quality 8x hand lens which works just fine and that's what I use 99% of the time.

I've got a variety of eye loupes and because of my trade, a B&L 40x binocular microscope. I also have one of those hand held 60 to 100x LED hand held deals. I hate that with a passion and it was a waste of $20.00 AFAIC. It inverts the image and focusing is a royal PITA.

I also use an eye loupe 20 or 30x depending on which is closer, 99% of the time. I have looked at my edges under 100x and my honing drastically improves when I get down to 30x .....

This is the unit I use.
53640280 20X EXTENDED RANGE MICROSCP - FOWLER :: 20X Extended Range Microscope | Travers Tool

Its 20X magnification is high enough to see the edge but not high enough to get you sea-sick with the movement. The light is bright and strong and does a great job. Fine adjustment works like a champ as well.
Its a little bit spendy but I didnt worry about it cause I liberated it from work. Har!!!
Well worth the cash even if it came out of my wallet.

Not to hijack thread but I know some loupes are plastic trash. Can someone recommend a brand or website source for eye loupe??

I have more magnification tools than razors. Anything from $8 - $80 can be good.

Originally Posted by LoneWolf

Not to hijack thread but I know some loupes are plastic trash. Can someone recommend a brand or website source for eye loupe??

Not justifying poor quality but plastic can be a blessing compared to metal if you accidentally bump the edge.

Originally Posted by LoneWolf

Not to hijack thread but I know some loupes are plastic trash. Can someone recommend a brand or website source for eye loupe??

I paid $30.00 for this here a few years ago. Same loupe but almost half the price. Works well for me.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!!