What to look for with a loupe?

[holiday]

What are you looking for with a loupe? Is there something thats shows it is time to switch hones, or is it just to check the edge is even?
One more question. Do the tiny scratches mean its not polished enough?

 

[holli4pirating]

You look for different things at each level. On the 1k you want to make sure the bevel extends all the way to the edge. After that, I actually don't know; I guess to make sure there are no remaining scratches from lower levels and no microchipping.

"Tiny" is relative, so you'd have to elaborate on that. It also depends on what level and what hone - you expect different scratches at different levels, and different hones leave different finishes.

 

[mainaman]

I look for microchips, micro cracks, corrosion( I think its also called devils spit).
At 1k , I look for set bevel all the way along the edge . next grit level I make sure that the 1k scratch pattern is erased, and so on. At 10k I can still see the scratches although they re pretty fine, then I finish on a Japanese natural and the bevel looks like it's been sandblasted with no stratches remaining from the 10k grit. CrO finish with my 100x scope is invisible.

 

[holiday]

I have been using a 1K/6K Cerax then a 12K SS. I have been trying to hone a crappy fromm. The bevel is uneven, larger at the heel than the toe. I have managed to get it sharp enough to shave comfortably. I have been looking at the bevel through a loupe but unsure what to look for. It seems to have vertical lines right along the bevel. My new TI from rasupur has a mirror polish on the bevel.
Just thought I must have done something wrong.

 

[holiday]

I look for microchips, micro cracks, corrosion( I think its also called devils spit).
At 1k , I look for set bevel all the way along the edge . next grit level I make sure that the 1k scratch pattern is erased, and so on. At 10k I can still see the scratches although they re pretty fine, then I finish on a Japanese natural and the bevel looks like it's been sandblasted with no stratches remaining from the 10k grit. CrO finish with my 100x scope is invisible.

Sorry, more stupid questions.
How do you tell if the bevel is set?
I guess thats what I was looking for but couldn't really see any new bevel forming.

 

[holli4pirating]

The bevel is set when it runs all the way to the edge of the razor. You can also feel it off the 1k with TPT (sticky sharp) or TNT (even, smooth bite), and you should be able to shave arm hair.

 

[mainaman]

Sorry, more stupid questions.
How do you tell if the bevel is set?
I guess thats what I was looking for but couldn't really see any new bevel forming.

If you look at the edge and it looks like clean cut where the two bevel planes meet, then that's a set bevel, make sure to look on both sides. I also like to test if the edge shaves arm hair on its full length, just in case.

 

[holiday]

thanks guys