Here's what a tattoo needle looks like under the microscope before and after hitting the bottom of an ink cup. The difference is minimal, but it's good to avoid it as the needle can lose some of its sharpness. Needles are more durable than you actually think, so the worst you can end up with is a dull needle. It's also worth noting that there was a bit of handling involved in taking apart and putting the cartridge back together when filming, so most of the debris visible on it is likely dust fro