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. Industrial Precision and Quality There are three models of PT50 Sharpness Testers. The Edge-On-Up Industrial Edge Tester (PT50A) is the most precise. It is a crossover product with the industrial world, and of the three models of PT50 testers, it is the only one that is warranted for commercial/industrial use (3 years). The Edge-On-Up Industrial Edge Tester Features: 25 measurements-per-second processor Very Fine 1 Gram Resolution Maximum Load Rating of 3000 Grams Heavy Steel Measurement Platform Industrial Strain Sensor Portable Lightweight Design 3 Button Operation 2 AAA Batteries Included Test Medium Included The Industrial Edge Tester includes both the New Aluminum Test Fixture and the Disposable Clip System (Test clips have not yet received full BESS certification) giving manufacturers and those sharpeners who will have only the best, maximum latitude in measuring both standard and non-standard cutting tools and edges. 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. Which test methods come with the PT50A Industrial Edge Tester? A. This one comes with everything you need to use BOTH the Aluminum Test Fixture with the Test Media AND a 25 count package of the Disposable Test Clips with the Clip Base. It essentially comes with everything possible. 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 role 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.