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

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

Test Clip Base

Included

Test Clips

25 Included

Aluminum Test Fixture

Included

Test Media

Included

Knife Fulcrum

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.

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