www.amazon.com/SE-30X-Illuminated-Jewele...words=jewelers+loupe

That is the one I use.. works pretty well.. got it as an add on item for one of my previous amazon orders

Completely dumb newbie question, what's the benefit of looking at the edge through a loupe?

I first used the loupe when doing the Sharpie Trick. It gave me a much more accurate view of the wear on the knife after just a few passes with the 1K grit stone. It's especially helpful when you're off by just a bit and it's difficult to see exactly where the stone is hitting the bevel.

Now I also use it to look at scratch patterns. Of course, most of the time I'm baffled by what I'm seeing... but I figure it'll make sense some day!

And now I want to ammend my recommendation. This 40x Loupe sold by Fasttech, direct from China is my new favorite.



It has a much better depth of field than any of my other loupes, and it's only $1.00 more. It uses standard AAA batteries, so you don't have to hunt around the internet (and pay extortion fees) for replacements. DId I mention the depth of field? That's really what sets this one apart, making it significantly easier to see the details.

-Pie

$4.05 and free shipping? AAA batteries? Looks like a no-brainer. Thanks for the tip!

I like Fasttech... just stay away from the knives! I bought a "CRKT" knife that's my very first ever official knockoff product purchased in my life. And boy does it suck. Doesn't seem like there'd be money in fake knives, but then I was a sucker so go figure. (Ironically, I found them because they sell real Panasonic batteries -- something everyone else knocks off!)

Their magnets are pretty awesome too!

-Pie

cbwx34 wrote:


Yeah, seems like shipping would be more than that! These must cost -$27.21 to make

Ken

(but hey, I ordered one. Why not?)

EatingPie wrote:


Pie, I liked this loupe so much I went back and ordered a second one to have. I can't believe something so cheap works so great!!! The one I payed $30. for fails compared to this little $5. unit!! You are absolutely correct about it's great field of depth and it is really nice and bright with the three aaa batteries!!
Thank you, Eamon

My Fastech loupe arrived yesterday. I was so excited to give this guy a go. I like the format. The large lense is easier to use than my old Bausch & Lomb and it's nice to have the light built in:



But.... (sorry guys) There is just no comparison on the optics. The B&L is vastly superior. Yeah, it's very small and can be a royal pain in the a.. to use. I have to get the lighting just right (a true joy while the knife is mounted ) and I can only see a small section of the edge at a time but I see MUCH more detail through the B&L

I know this is supposed to be 40X and my B&L is only marked 20X but they don't behave that way. Must have to do with the focal length? (I'm not an optics guy so all I know is what I see)

This new loupe is nice to have as a back up. The price is terrific (I paid a lot more for the B&L a LONG time ago ), and it would be better than nothing, but it isn't going to replace my B&L.

Ken

Hey Ken,

Is it possible for you to snap a photo of an edge looking thru the magnifier(s)? (Or at least the big one?) Might give some perspective.

Thanks!

cbwx34 wrote:


You're taxing my photo skills, Curtis...

I'll see if I can figure out a way, but I have my doubts.

Ken