Quote Originally Posted by mumpig View Post
A fascinating discussion and a very complex one. So many variables! Does anyone use something like a dissecting microscope to clearly visualize what a high-quality shaving edge looks like, then compare the edges that come off different hones and strops? I know the final test is the shave but I'm trying (as a newbie) to come up with a way to understand the results in a way that provides a different kind of feedback.

Ask, and we shall hook ye up! Here is a set of Tim Zowada's micrographs of bevels created by different hones. Within it is a link to another set of micrographs, this time of the edges, including some stropped on CrOx. I don't know of any micrographic comparisons of stropped edges, though.

Happy ogling. These are the micrographs that caused me to rush out and buy one of my hones. View at your own risk.