Measure Small Differences in Sharpness

The Edge-On-Up PT50B Professional Sharpness Tester gives serious sharpeners a precise, repeatable way to evaluate their work. With 5-gram resolution and BESS-certified test media included, it's ideal for comparing sharpening techniques, evaluating consistency along an edge, and tracking improvements.

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 gives you 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. 

• Simply lower the cutting edge down until it cuts through the test line.
• Write down the results and compare to the sharpness chart.
• re-threading the test media takes about 3-5 seconds.
• Tare the tester and you are ready for the next test.

Testing before and after sharpening is a game changer.

Use the Sharpness Chart

Any result under 200 grams is "razor sharp" and you can check your edges against the included sharpness chart. Recommended numbers are listed for a large variety of applications.

The Sharpness Testers Anyone Can Use

There are three models of PT50 Sharpness Testers. The Edge-On-Up Professional Edge Tester is the workhorse instrument for professional sharpeners, knife enthusiasts and woodworkers and has a one year manufacturers warranty.

The Edge-On-Up Pro Edge Tester Features:

• 10 measurements-per-second processor
• 5 Gram Resolution
• Portable Lightweight Design
• 3 Button Operation
• Knife Fulcrum with Gel Insert
• 2 AAA Batteries Included
• Instructions with Sharpness Chart

Test Canister Included

The New Aluminum Test Fixture arrives pre-loaded with the TM01 Test Media Canister (enough media for approximately 325 tests). The BESS Certified Test Media is the most accurate way to test sharpness. Replacement Test Media Canisters are available if needed. The first test is immediately ready. 

If you want to use or try the Disposable one-use Test Clips you will also need the Clip Base Holder and both are sold separately.

Accurate Testing

The PT50B Professional Edge Tester results are recorded with 10 tests-per-second which allows for a readout rounded up or down to the nearest 5 grams. The PT50B provides a more accurate test than the Home Edge Tester PT50C but the Industrial Edge Tester PT50A is the most accurate.

• The sensors within the PT50B allow for testing multiple areas along the same edge for slicing applications or anywhere consistent sharpening matters.
• The relative sharpness of multiple edges can be evaluated and recorded for comparison using the included sharpness chart.
• Edges that you use, can easily be re-tested for routine maintenance.
• Before and after testing can help improve sharpening technique through precise evaluation.

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 PT50B Professional Edge Tester?

A. The PT50B Professional Edge Tester comes with the Aluminum Test Fixture and the Test Media.

Q. I've received my Edge On Up Tester and don't see the Test Media. What should I do?

A. The Test Media is preloaded into the Aluminum Test Fixture. If you do not see a strand of media coming through one of the feed holes, slide the black rubber piece off of the bottom of the fixture. A canister of Test Media should be inside.

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.

Q. Is this the BESS Tester?

A. Yes, this is commonly called the BESS Tester. BESS is the measurement scale used by this knife edge tester.