Skip to content
FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $99 - LIFETIME SHARPENING SUPPORT
FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $99!
Edge-On-Up Professional Edge Tester

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 Industrial Edge Tester Professional Edge Tester Home Edge Tester
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
Test Clip Base		 Included - Included
Test Clips
Test Clips		 25 Included - 25 Included
Aluminum Test Fixture
Aluminum Test Fixture		 Included Included -
Test Media
Test Media		 Included Included -
Knife Fulcrum
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.

Edge-On-Up Professional Edge Tester

by Edge-On-Up
Item # PT50B
$189.00
$189.00
$189.00 - $189.00
$189.00
Availability:
IN STOCK, READY TO SHIP!
THIS ITEM QUALIFIES FOR FREE US SHIPPING
  • Now With New Test Fixture
  • 5 Gram Resolution
  • 10 Measurements/Second
  • Batteries Included
Edge On Up

Related Categories

Edge-On-UpMeasuring & MagnificationPopular SharpenersProfessional Knife SharpeningSharpening AccessoriesSharpness Testers

Related Articles & Videos

Contributor Comments

John Carmona
John Carmona
Owner and Lead Sharpening Specialist

The Edge-On-Up Sharpness testers are one of the best ways to improve your sharpening. It's easy to get caught up in a number, and if you follow sharpening online, you'll see people comparing their numbers to show their skill in sharpening, and while there's nothing wrong with that, it hides the real purpose. The real purpose is to provide instant quantitative feedback on your sharpening. Did I make it sharper? How's my progress? Answering these questions helps beginners and experts alike. I just spoke to a customer that told me how much this test has helped him become a better sharpener, and he is a professional sharpener.

If you see us in a video, we always use the more precise and more expensive Industrial model. But if you're, not sure if you want to spend the extra, I highly recommend the Professional model. It comes with the most accurate Test Media, and the 5 gram resolution is plenty precise to help you learn what you're doing right or wrong with your sharpening.