The BESS standard, or Brubacher Edge Sharpness Scale, is a standardized method for measuring the sharpness of knives. Developed by Mike Brubacher, owner of Edge-On-Up, the BESS uses a thin synthetic wire as a test medium, through which a knife is drawn in a single cutting motion. The maximum pressure applied to the wire is measured in grams and is the BESS value. A lower score on the BESS scale indicates a sharper knife.
The BESS scale was developed by Brubacher, who has a background in sensor and test development in various industries. In 2012, he began developing a standard that could measure the sharpness of knives and needles. After conducting extensive research and testing, he introduced the BESS standard, which was quickly adopted by experts and enthusiasts alike as one of the most user-friendly methods for determining knife sharpness.
One of the key advantages of the BESS standard is its accessibility. Edge-On-Up sharpness testers are relatively affordable and do not require specialized equipment or a laboratory setting to obtain reliable results. As long as the certified test medium and equipment are used, anyone can accurately measure the sharpness of their knives using the BESS scale.
Another advantage of the BESS is that it provides a clear, numerical value for knife sharpness, rather than relying on abstract terms like "razor-sharp" or "incredibly sharp." This makes it easy to compare the sharpness of different knives, as well as to track the sharpness of a single knife over time.
While the BESS scale only measures a small portion of the knife's edge, it is possible to test multiple parts of the edge and calculate a weighted average to get a more accurate overall picture of the knife's sharpness. The BESS C scale, which is the most commonly used version of the BESS, also has a higher range of values than the original BESS A scale, allowing for more precise measurements of extremely sharp edges.
For knife enthusiasts and professionals, the Edge-On-Up sharpness testers are essential tools for accurately measuring knife sharpness. These testers can help improve sharpening skills, track the sharpness of a knife collection over time, and provide a consistent and reliable method for comparing the sharpness of different knives. Additionally, the BESS standard offers a user-friendly and accessible way for anyone to measure and compare the sharpness of their knives.
In addition to the BESS standard, Edge-On-Up offers a range of sharpness testers that are certified to use the BESS scale. These include the PT50A, PT50B, and PT50C models.
The PT50C is a compact and portable sharpness tester that is easy to use and provides accurate BESS C-scale values. It is designed for use with single-edged knives, such as kitchen knives, and can be used to test the sharpness of the edge at the tip, middle, and heel of the blade.
The PT50B is a slightly more advanced model that can be used to test double-edged knives, such as hunting knives and scissors. It also offers a wider range of BESS C-scale values, allowing for more precise measurements of extremely sharp edges.
Finally, the PT50A is a professional-grade sharpness tester that is designed for use in knife shops and knife-making workshops. It offers the widest range of BESS C-scale values and can be used to test a wide variety of knives and other cutting tools.
All of these models are certified to use the BESS standard and provide a consistent and reliable method for measuring knife sharpness. They are popular among knife enthusiasts and professionals alike, and are widely regarded as essential tools for anyone who takes knife sharpness seriously.
- Edge-On-Up BESS Sharpness Testers:
- Scientifically measure the sharpness of your knives
- Gives you an accurate picture of the sharpness of your knife collection
- Uses the BESS: Brubacher Edge Sharpness Scale, developed by Mike Brubacher, the owner of Edge-On-Up
- BESS measures the maximum pressure applied when a knife cuts through a thin piece of synthetic wire
- The pressure in grams is the BESS C-scale value, a comparable standard for sharpness and one of the few ways to quantify it
- The BESS value is the maximum weight needed to push your knife through a certified test medium
- The sharper the knife, the lower the score
- Results can be easily compared as all tests are carried out with the same test medium
- The BESS scale provides a range of scores, from the unsharpened 2000 BESS to the ultimate sharpness 0-score
- Everyone can test the sharpness of a knife with the affordable Edge-On-Up testers
- Clarity is provided as abstract terms are replaced by a value that can be compared to others
- Only tests one small part of the edge, but can also be measured in three places for a weighted average
- The C-scale is used today, but results from the past may appear on the BESS A-scale
- The BESS A-scale was the original analogue test method, but the BESS C-scale was introduced with the use of high-quality, digital measuring equipment for even sharper edges
- Must-haves for anyone who loves sharp knives, collecting knives or improving their sharpening skills
- Enables you to determine if your knives need to be sharpened based on data, not just a gut feeling
- Show off the sharpness of your knives on the second-hand market by saying it's 156 BESS sharp
In conclusion, the Edge-On-Up BESS Sharpness Testers are a must-have for anyone who loves sharp knives, collecting knives or improving their sharpening skills. With the affordable testers, you can finally learn how sharp your knives really are, and determine if they need to be sharpened based on data, not just a gut feeling. The BESS: Brubacher Edge Sharpness Scale, developed by Mike Brubacher, provides a range of scores from the unsharpened 2000 BESS to the ultimate sharpness 0-score, and allows everyone to test their knives with the same certified test medium for easy comparison. Show off the sharpness of your knives on the second-hand market with a BESS score, and get the Edge-On-Up BESS Sharpness Testers today!
Find your BESS Certified tester HERE
