Josh:
Sounds like you’re jumping in with both feet. We’re delighted to have you. This is a unique forum in that the guys here are always eager to help you out, with nary a discouraging word. Most other forum have got at least a few nasty regulars who delight in insulting others. Not so here.
I just wanted to make something clear,in that the “below the edge” rule is mine and that there are many successful users here who may preach other methods. You just need to find what works for you.
Best loupe? There’s a bunch out there and most are very inexpensive. I’ve bought at least six just to try them out. Carson has several variations and all work to one extent or another.
I like the Carson LL-10.
I think the Carson focusable 17X is a little too big, but it’s worth a try.
Don’t get the little eye loupes – they’re meant to hold with your cheek and eyebrow, like jewelers do. You don’t want to have to get that close to the edge with your face – very awkward.
The loupes with the clear plastic bases are pretty good. You have to get your lighting right but you can see pretty good without having to get too close. Remember that you’ll be scanning all along the blade and leaning over the sharpening stand and moving along with the loupe is no fun. Worse up close. I’m lazy, hence the handheld microscope.
Some guys like the little Chinese loupe with the LED lighting coming in from the side. I bought one at $2.81 and it works but again, you have to get your eye pretty close to see clearly. As long as you’re buying something from Amazon, buy one of these too, just for shits and giggles. They work remarkably well, but are to tiny for me.
If you watched the video all the way through, you saw the “slick tape” I added to my microscope. Wouldn’t hurt to try it on your loupe as well.
Have fun!
.
