A Standard Test for Sharpness

How sharp is the edge? That is both the most important question a sharpener can ask, and possibly the hardest to answer. There are tests like cutting paper or shaving hair that are often used to demonstrate sharpness, and they are helpful to a point, but they lack the precision and standardization required to truly answer the question. However, a precise and standardized testing method is available. It is achieved using the PT50 Series Sharpness Testers from Edge-On-Up. This machine is often called the BESS Tester.

Measure and Quantify

The PT50 Series of Edge-On-Up Sharpness Testers give the ability to measure and quantify the level of sharpness of any given edge. They work by measuring the force in grams required to cut through a standardized, calibrated medium. The result is a number that can be used to compare the relative sharpness of edges.

The Sharpness Testers Anyone Can Use

There are three models of PT50 Sharpness Testers. The Edge-On-Up Home Edge Tester (PT50C) Is intended for those looking for a reliable way to distinguish between a well sharpened edge and a poorly sharpened one, and everything in between. The PT50C Home Edge Tester is the most affordable Edge On Up tester and includes a one year manufacturer's warranty.

The Home Edge Tester Features:

• 5 measurements-per-second processor
• 25 Gram Resolution
• Portable Lightweight Design
• 3 Button Operation
• 25 Disposable Test Clips Included
• 2 AAA Batteries Included
• Instructions with sharpness chart

Test Medium Included

The Home Edge Tester includes the Disposable Clip System (Test clips have not yet received full BESS certification). The PT50C rounds the test results up or down to the nearest 25 grams.

Use the Sharpness Chart

Any result under 200 grams resolution is "razor sharp" and you can check your edges against the included sharpness chart. Challenge yourself to get better at sharpening by testing before and after you sharpen.
Checking your work has never been easier and more satisfying. You can finally test the sharpness of that knife you care about... or check someone elses work. 

Accurate Testing

while the Home Edge Tester is very accurate, the results are rounded up or down to a greater extent than the other two testers. If you want to compare how evenly a section of an edge is sharpened to another part of the same edge, then we recommend the PT50B Professional or PT50A Industrial Testers.

The PT50C is an excellent option if you want to maintain the relative sharpness of your knives and of course, testing before and after sharpening is a game changer.

A Comparison of the Edge On Up Testers and What's Included With Each

Specifications and What's Included With Each Model
Model	PT50A Industrial	PT50B Professional	PT50C Home
Resolution (Accuracy)	1 Gram	5 Gram	25 Gram
Measurement Speed	25 Per Second	10 Per Second	5 Per Second
Batteries	2 AAA Batteries Included	2 AAA Batteries Included	2 AAA Batteries Included
Test Clip Base	Included	-	Included
Test Clips	25 Included	-	25 Included
Aluminum Test Fixture	Included	Included	-
Test Media	Included	Included	-
Knife Fulcrum	Included	Included	Included

Q. What test method comes with the PT50C Home Edge Tester?

A. The PT50C Home Edge Tester comes with a 25 count package of the Disposable Test Clips and the Clip Base.

Q. I've opened my New Edge On Up Tester and found a small empty box that says "Consumables." Should this box have something in it?

A. No. The box will be empty. It is included as a packaging spacer and has been labeled "Consumables" for customers to use as future storage.