A handy, but under-rated bit of kit especially for those interested in natural history.
A loupe is a small, high powered magnifing glass - typically they magnify 8 to 12 times and have a 2cm achromatic lens that folds away into a metal housing. Weighs an ounce or two, costs a few pounds (though you can pay more for really high class optics...) I often take one when I'm out and about in the woods.
Very helpful for nature observation.
Useful geological tool (I sometimes find gold flecks in quartz and other rocks, and looking at panned placer gold dust shows it to look just like museum nuggets, but smaller.
Handy to check blade edges for uniformity or damage.
Also makes it easy to check proof marks on sporting arms, hallmarks, etc.
Probably less good for fire lighting than an ordinary magnifier, as they are small.
Handy bit of kit.
A loupe is a small, high powered magnifing glass - typically they magnify 8 to 12 times and have a 2cm achromatic lens that folds away into a metal housing. Weighs an ounce or two, costs a few pounds (though you can pay more for really high class optics...) I often take one when I'm out and about in the woods.
Very helpful for nature observation.
Useful geological tool (I sometimes find gold flecks in quartz and other rocks, and looking at panned placer gold dust shows it to look just like museum nuggets, but smaller.
Handy to check blade edges for uniformity or damage.
Also makes it easy to check proof marks on sporting arms, hallmarks, etc.
Probably less good for fire lighting than an ordinary magnifier, as they are small.
Handy bit of kit.