30x with a light so I can look at wee things up close. I've seen pros look at the edge with loupes when honing, maybe when bevel setting? What are you looking for?
Attachment 88319
Printable View
30x with a light so I can look at wee things up close. I've seen pros look at the edge with loupes when honing, maybe when bevel setting? What are you looking for?
Attachment 88319
LOL I've been wanting one too. I got a kick out of this though - "okay I got this.. now what do I do with it?"
Exactly! So far I've examined the heck out of a $20 bill and a few records...there's a ton of information in that groove.Quote:
Originally Posted by ats200
I've just gotten to the point where I can acceptably set the bevel and hone to shave ready...but I'm a way from really having a "feel" for it. I'll get there. But I thought it would be good to get a visual reference.
Now, let's have a close up look at the tips of silvertip...
You'll know what you're looking for when you see it mate...Trust me. :)
Mick
nice loupe. where'd you find it?
I have two like that one and use it to track the edge during the honing progress or to take a look at
a problem edge. They are great. 2 for $13 on Amazon.
$5.97 at Widgetsupply.com Here's a link:Quote:
Originally Posted by normbal
Widget Supply 25mm 30x Chrome Teardrop Jewelers Loupe, Illuminated
I use a x60 loupe for razors and all sorts, do you ever get those nasty tiny metal splinters from drywall screws and the like, you know the ones you can't see but catch on your clothes, and are as painful as...........? Well they look like girders through my loupe!
You are looking for things that should not be there.
Things like chips and flat areas and tears and cracks and signs of rust and uneven areas of the bevel.
Magnification can tell you many bad things about the razor but can't tell you much about it being shave ready or even being a good razor period.
I use mine every time I detail my razors. It really is amazing what you can learn about each razor by seeing what is not visible to the naked eye.Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
I remember seeing grind marks on the point of one razor when they determining what type of point it was to have.
I can also see if the edge is from the factory if its been honed subsequently.
Some seemingly insignificant pitting looks like the grand canyon up close.
If you have a decent loop I would challenge any razor owner to examine a razor that they think is fine.
My guess is that you will be surprised by what you see.
ps most loops claiming huge magnification on eBay are not legit. Trusted brand names cost $60.00+ for a real triplet.
I am still in the looking at everything phase lol. I had an uber dull switchblade, I knew it was a rough edge to it, and a nice burr along the edge. It would not even cut paper. I held out until my loop came just to inspect it lol. I drug the edge lightly on some wood, inspected and saw the burr gone. It will now slice paper. I have also inspected my straight a few time, its a few shaves off touch up passes on a CH12K. So should be a middle of the road point, I will keep an eye on it before and after stropping to learn more as it gets bad. Hopefully paying attention next honing and I will see my reference point and watch it until I am done with the hone. I got to see wood pores with it on an untreated saya and compared it to the same saya with wood treatment applied and no pores lol. Crevices in my mouse looked like a hairy monster lived in there lol. Inspected some micro-chips on a sword, and the hamon (differentially hardening demarcation line) on a couple others. Differences in handle wrapping strings of known different quality, up close and personal style. Some stingray rawhide. A few other knife edges, and my utility straight razor. Yea this battery is not going to last long. I would not doubt its not a perfect 30x, The image edge distortion is up there with a comfy viewing area, if you try and get the most magnification out of it, it has pretty useless viewable image.
