David Charlesworth recommends using a microscope to observe progress when sharpening so I bought a cheap plastic microscope from ebay and gave it a try.
The images were very useful but I found it very fiddly trying to manipulate the blade in its honing jig, the focusing adjustment of the microscope, the focusing distance and the light source all at the same time.
I have now discovered the perfect solution and it is even cheaper!
Maplins sells a 100x microscope for £5.99 part number L11BK.
It has a very bright and even white LED light source and a fixed focusing distance of zero.
Whatever you touch with the end of the microscope is in focus, No adjustments at all.
I can now tell the difference between a polished blunt edge and a polished sharp edge while still having hairs on the back of my hand.
(The back I said not the palms)
The images were very useful but I found it very fiddly trying to manipulate the blade in its honing jig, the focusing adjustment of the microscope, the focusing distance and the light source all at the same time.
I have now discovered the perfect solution and it is even cheaper!
Maplins sells a 100x microscope for £5.99 part number L11BK.
It has a very bright and even white LED light source and a fixed focusing distance of zero.
Whatever you touch with the end of the microscope is in focus, No adjustments at all.
I can now tell the difference between a polished blunt edge and a polished sharp edge while still having hairs on the back of my hand.
(The back I said not the palms)