No Products in the Cart
A precise sharpness tester that measures the pressure needed to cut a certified test medium and gives a clear BESS result in grams.
Purpose
The Edge-On-Up PT50C is made for sharpening enthusiasts, knife collectors, and anyone who wants to know if sharpening actually made a knife sharper.
Result
The tester records the pressure needed to cut the test medium and shows the result in grams on the BESS scale. This Edge-On-Up PT50C measures in steps of 25 grams.
Included
Includes Edge-On-Up PT50C, Edge-On-Up Fulcrum support, and base for test clips with approximately 25 test clips.
Comparison
| Specification |
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1 g | 5 g | 25 g |
| Measurement speed | 25/sec | 10/sec | 5/sec |
| Batteries | 2 AAA | 2 AAA | 2 AAA |
| Test clip base | Included | — | Included |
| Test clips | 25 | — | 25 |
| Aluminum fixture | Included | Included | — |
| Test media | Included | Included | — |
| Knife fulcrum | Included | Included | Included |
Video
Watch how the Edge-On-Up sharpness tester measures knife sharpness using the BESS standard.
How it works
This scientifically designed tester assesses knife sharpness using a certified synthetic wire. Simply apply gentle pressure to the wire with your knife.
The scale records the pressure exerted until the wire is cut, providing your test result in grams on the BESS C-scale. A lower BESS value indicates a sharper knife.
BESS Standard
The BESS standard, developed by Mike Brubacher, offers a user-friendly method for evaluating knife sharpness. Scores range from 2000 BESS for an unsharpened knife to 0 BESS for ultimate sharpness. For reference, a double-sided sharpened razor typically scores around 50 BESS.
Testing method
Since the test measures only a small portion of the edge, it is recommended to assess three areas: the tip, middle, and heel. A weighted average of these values provides a more comprehensive sharpness assessment.
Essential materials
For accurate comparisons, certified test materials are necessary.
Edge-On-Up provides the required materials, including the DoubleX test medium capable of conducting 325 measurements.
FAQs
This model comes with everything needed to use both the Aluminum Test Fixture with the Test Media and a 25 count package of Disposable Test Clips with the Clip Base.
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 the bottom of the fixture. A roll of Test Media should be inside.
No. The box is empty. It is included as a packaging spacer and labeled “Consumables” so customers can use it for future storage.


