I Purchased a $13 Microscope from Amazon

Have the same brand scope in the 100x-250x, it's a brilliant tool, especially if one is learning how to freehand sharpen.
It will show you exactly whats happening at the apex, if your angles are uniformed and most importantly if your burr removal technique is working.
My freehand sharpening has gone from very average and inconsistent to surprisingly good in a very short time. Without being able to see your edge, it can be a bit hit and miss when starting out.
Its probably cheating, but using a scope like this is probably the cheapest way to achieve spectacular results.
 
Yes, as sharp-edge states, hold flat on the surface. Also make sure the LED light is positioned on the outside of the edge, seems to give a lot more brightness.
I usually start with it positioned on the flat of the blade, then get it focused. Will also rest the blade part of the knife on something white ( normaly a note pad ) so as the knife is stable when resting the microscope on it. Slowly move towards the edge. It will be out of focus a bit when you get to edge, but only a slight adjustment is required.
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words - so when you can see the edge magnified 100x plus, you can really understand the sharpening process and work out if you are doing it correctly.
 
Stockman said:
Yes, as sharp-edge states, hold flat on the surface. Also make sure the LED light is positioned on the outside of the edge, seems to give a lot more brightness.
I usually start with it positioned on the flat of the blade, then get it focused. Will also rest the blade part of the knife on something white ( normaly a note pad ) so as the knife is stable when resting the microscope on it. Slowly move towards the edge. It will be out of focus a bit when you get to edge, but only a slight adjustment is required.
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words - so when you can see the edge magnified 100x plus, you can really understand the sharpening process and work out if you are doing it correctly.
Click to expand...
Well explained how to use it correctly. Like the white background inclusion, i had never thought of that. Great tip. :thumbsup:
 
Stockman said:
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words - so when you can see the edge magnified 100x plus, you can really understand the sharpening process and work out if you are doing it correctly.
Click to expand...
hobby microscope territory when I was a pup.
 
I actually bought this as a present for my 11 year old son, but I think I used it more than he did.
Don't seem to pull it out very often now, but some times when a knife is being stubborn, will pull it out and all is revealed.
 
Stockman, take him insect nest / colony hunting on a leaf, a bit of creek water, fish head, worm, ant, honey bee- called them h-bees when we were kids because ours had an H on their backs-, etc. Big worlds down there.
 
I know very little about sharpening other than what I’ve picked up here in the last few months, and that my blades do end up sharper when I’m done with them than when I started. But I’m intrigued by the idea of seeing exactly what’s happening to the steel up close and personal.

The OP’s particular model is 60x-120x magnification. For folks who have this and similar devices, for the purposes of blade inspection for a complete metallurgical idiot such as myself, would you recommend the same magnification, or higher or lower? Would focusing a significantly higher power be exceedingly difficult? Any other brands out there that are similar but maybe better suited to the task of inspecting knife blades?
 
Danny Linguini said:
I know very little about sharpening other than what I’ve picked up here in the last few months, and that my blades do end up sharper when I’m done with them than when I started. But I’m intrigued by the idea of seeing exactly what’s happening to the steel up close and personal.

The OP’s particular model is 60x-120x magnification. For folks who have this and similar devices, for the purposes of blade inspection for a complete metallurgical idiot such as myself, would you recommend the same magnification, or higher or lower? Would focusing a significantly higher power be exceedingly difficult? Any other brands out there that are similar but maybe better suited to the task of inspecting knife blades?
Click to expand...
I typically use mine on the lowest (60x) setting. It gets much more difficult to steady the device at higher magnifications and, for me, doesn't prove any more useful.

Once I can split a few hairs i'm done because this level of sharpness is already not practical. If you wanted to get more extreme you might want higher magnification.
 
MrStabby7 said:
I typically use mine on the lowest (60x) setting. It gets much more difficult to steady the device at higher magnifications and, for me, doesn't prove any more useful.

Once I can split a few hairs i'm done because this level of sharpness is already not practical. If you wanted to get more extreme you might want higher magnification.
Click to expand...
Good ‘nuff then. I don’t need to get extreme, just better. 60x-120x it is. 👍
Ordered!
 
Danny Linguini said:
I know very little about sharpening other than what I’ve picked up here in the last few months, and that my blades do end up sharper when I’m done with them than when I started. But I’m intrigued by the idea of seeing exactly what’s happening to the steel up close and personal.

The OP’s particular model is 60x-120x magnification. For folks who have this and similar devices, for the purposes of blade inspection for a complete metallurgical idiot such as myself, would you recommend the same magnification, or higher or lower? Would focusing a significantly higher power be exceedingly difficult? Any other brands out there that are similar but maybe better suited to the task of inspecting knife blades?
Click to expand...
I like between 200-400 power for most projects. Optics are awesome.
A72C68CC-AFF4-4C29-B8ED-9A5851B54914.jpeg
 
3D Anvil said:
The best use of the scope for me comes when I'm laying back an edge. The scope will show very clearly how much farther I have to grind to reach the apex, and which parts of the blade need more/less work.
Click to expand...
This is where I use mine frequently too, as I’m regularly getting knives from friends/work folks that need repairs. Definitely not NECESSARY but useful and educational for newbs and old-hands alike. Especially for a few bucks - everyone should have a way to see up close.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top