Do you use a microscope during the sharpening of your RAT?

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Here's one person who uses a microscope to check the edges of tools when sharpening them. While I don't think I'd go to that extent on a regular basis, it might be cool to occasionally look at a blade up close to see if there's room for improvement in sharpening technique. The microscope would probably be fun to mess with on other stuff too and, for 50-60 bucks, I might order one just because I'm a gadget geek. :cool:

http://toolmonger.com/2009/07/03/dealmonger-celestron-44302-handheld-digital-microscope/
 
No need with the RAT pieces. They sharpen up with so little effort that it'd take you longer to set up the scope than it did to put a screaming edge on your knife! With a lot of the higher-end stainless steels and straight razors I know lots of folks like to use one, however. :)
 
I didn't read the post but if someone is actually using a microscope to check sharpness of and field knife, I would LOVE to haul them to the jungle with us! I think we could have a lot of fun with such a personality. What bullshit!
 
The author didn't specifically mention knives (he said "checking the edge of tools when I sharpen them"). I agree that a field knife doesn't require microscopic scrutiny. I prefer non-serrated blades and like them to be a bit coarse, as in micro-serrated. :)
 
I sometimes if having a problem sharpening a new knife will check it with a jewlers loupe just to see what might be going on at a level I can`t see without help.
 
Makes sense to me. Like I said, I didn't read the article in the link but my point is if someone sharpens a field knife every time by using a microscope then they're a little more anal than the average guy we would deal with in the field.
 
these little computer scopes are very cool.
you can see lots of very small stuff with good resolution.
excellent field tool for base camp work
buzz
 
I agree with Jeff, that's going a little too far for a field knife. I have used a jeweler's loupe for other knives if I have trouble putting an edge on them (like thebrain), but for anything else it just doesn't seem worth it.....at least in my opinion.
 
If it effortlessly shaves and feels smooth rubbed along my thumbnail, it is sharp enough for me.
 
Never a microscope, but I've got one of those swing-arm lamps with a built in magnifying glass, which I will use when I'm reprofiling an edge. I don't use it on touchups, though, just for major steel removal.
 
a microscope I got to say that is a great time to use the term "Overkill", but well at least you see what you're doing to that edge :)

RAT Pack #75
KTA
 
I use a jewelers loom sometimes just to see where the metal is being removed from. A microscope could be fun just to play with, and experiment with stroping and such.
 
I must admit in the early days I would use a loupe to examine the edge generally for damaged edges.
But now I do most of that with just my finger tips.
I do find a glass ( frenzle, loupe or Swiss card) handy for looking into bits ( folders mainly, and the occasional firearm) to see why it don't work like it should.
Experience counts for heaps one of my work mates sons was here last week and as a 2nd yr apprentice cheff he was amazed how quick I brought a dull edge back to shaving with a full size diamond "stone" and my leather strop.
But I started 30yrs ago. So I've had a little practise.
Carl
 
I sometimes use a sharpie to blacken the edge. It makes it easier to see how the stone is removing steel. Otherwise it's just feel and testing.
 
HaroldB said:
You take a "Computer" to base camp? :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I reckon it depends on the purpose of the outing/expedition. A microscope would likely be mandatory in the field for those involved in archaeology, and we do live in the age of the computer, so it probably wouldn't be unreasonable to have both at a base camp involved in digging up old bones and artifacts. I'm sure there are many other legitimate reasons to have a computer in a base camp. :)
 
I have found the fingernail test to be more than reliable in comparison to using any magnifying devices. It is also much faster (which matters when sharpening several sets of knives).
 
No scope here. One of my favorite reasons for carrying my RATs is that these knives are my worry-free tools. Even my coarse DMT card will get it sharp enough to use in the field for most 99% chores (they deserve more but never ask for it.) I've even practiced with a river stone on my RC-3 and i wouldn't shave with it but it definitely made short work of some cooking wood.
 
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