The best way to measure something like a razor is optically so you won't damage the edge. An inexpensive video camera with a reticle attached to your computer. Mount it so it is looking down at a translation stage with a micrometer. I am certain someone with very little computer knowledge could find a camera that would connect to a monitor to show a magnified, real time image. The reticle needs only to be a single thin line across the field of view (in the focal plane). I think it would be pretty easy to rig up someting like this (if I couldn't find one at the scapyard):
423/433/443 Series High-Performance Low-Profile Ball Bearing Linear Stages

Order actuators separately. 423 shown with SM-25 and 433 shown with SM-50.



  • Precision ball bearing movements
  • Non-influencing lock (except 4 in.)
  • Reversible for left- or right-handed applications
  • Compatible with Newport manual and motorized actuators
  • Stackable for low profile multi-axis positioning

Newport Corporation | Manual Positioning | Manual-Linear-Stages | 423-433-443-Series-High-Performance-Low-Profile-B