Thread: Magnifying Loupe or Microscope?

Looking into finally picking up a magnification device to check progress of honing, now that i have finally decided to take plunge as to honing my own razors. Just trying to decide whether a magnifying jeweler's Loupe would work well, or should i pick up a Microscope for the job? any input is welcome as well as input in regards to retailers? Thanks again everyone!

You should get a high powered, lighted jeweler's loupe. 10x won't cut it: find a 40-100x if you can. I may be wrong, but I think the microscope has to be a particular kind to be able to see an object that is not translucent/transparent. Remember slicing things really thin in science class amd putting them in a peetree dish, so light penetrates it for viewing? The loupe is a less expensive and less cumbersome option.

If you look online you can find a hand held microscope that is adjustable from 40x (I think) up to 100x. I have one and it works really well.

We have many threads on this subject. All you NEED is something to see the gross edge for chips and imperfections. Now if you want to see more then you need more. 10x is really all you need but of course the better the quality the more you will see. With optics it's all about the resolution and eye relief not the magnification. A good 15x will show you more than a poor 100x.

I always work with a few loupes at hand, none stronger than 10x but none smaller than 30mm diameter.

This is what I use. the light really works very very very well

Widget Supply 25mm 30x Chrome Teardrop Jewelers Loupe, Illuminated

They have others too

I just PM'd Oz about the USB microscope he uses and I think I want one just for pics as his always look good

I just got the loop Glen mentioned in the mail and it works great.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

This is what I use. the light really works very very very well

Widget Supply 25mm 30x Chrome Teardrop Jewelers Loupe, Illuminated

They have others too

I just PM'd Oz about the USB microscope he uses and I think I want one just for pics as his always look good

Glen, with something for that price, coming from someone whose work I adore, how could I say no? Thanks everyone for all the input.

PS- glen I may be PM'ing you later, in regards to a restoration question.

Originally Posted by joshb1000

Glen, with something for that price, coming from someone whose work I adore, how could I say no? Thanks everyone for all the input.

PS- glen I may be PM'ing you later, in regards to a restoration question.

I would suggest ordering two now and save on shipping, also I found the batteries online for them, which you will need either after many months, or after one day when you pull the Glen bonehead move and leave it on

Buying them at the store runs about $6 each, you need 3, and buying them online they came to about $1.25 shipped to ya...

Will look for the link

Originally Posted by gssixgun

This is what I use. the light really works very very very well

Widget Supply 25mm 30x Chrome Teardrop Jewelers Loupe, Illuminated

I bought one of those LED jobs when I saw the one you were using. Very handy.