The BESS Standard: A Simple Way to Measure Knife Sharpness
If you’re into knives, you’ve probably heard about the BESS standard, or the Brubacher Edge Sharpness Scale. This scale, created by Mike Brubacher, the guy behind Edge-On-Up, is a straightforward way to measure just how sharp your knives really are. The idea is simple: you draw your knife through a thin synthetic wire, and the pressure needed to cut through it is measured in grams. That number is your BESS value. And here’s the key—lower numbers mean a sharper knife.
How the BESS Scale Came to Be
Mike Brubacher didn’t just pull this idea out of thin air. He’s got a solid background in developing sensors and testing tools across different industries. Around 2012, he started working on a method to measure knife sharpness in a way that anyone could use. After a lot of research and fine-tuning, the BESS standard was born. It quickly caught on with both pros and hobbyists because it’s not only accurate but also pretty easy to use.
Why BESS Is a Game-Changer
One of the things that make the BESS standard so popular is its accessibility. You don’t need a lab or expensive gear to get accurate results. As long as you’ve got the right test medium and a BESS-certified tester, you’re good to go. This means you can measure your knife’s sharpness at home without any hassle.
Another big plus is that BESS gives you a specific number to describe sharpness. No more vague terms like “razor-sharp” or “super sharp”—just a clear, measurable value. This makes it a breeze to compare different knives or track how sharp one knife stays over time.
Getting the Full Picture of Your Knife’s Sharpness
The BESS scale typically measures sharpness at one spot on your knife’s edge. But if you want a more detailed view, you can test at multiple points along the blade and average the results. The most commonly used version, the BESS C scale, offers a wider range than the original BESS A scale, which means you can get even more precise measurements, especially for those extra-sharp edges.
Why Edge-On-Up Testers Are a Must-Have
For anyone serious about their knives, an Edge-On-Up sharpness tester is a tool you’ll wonder how you lived without. Whether you’re sharpening your skills or just want to keep tabs on your knife collection, these testers make it easy. They give you a consistent, reliable way to measure and compare sharpness.
Which Edge-On-Up Tester Is Right for You?
Edge-On-Up offers a few different testers, each with its own strengths:
- PT50C: This one’s small, portable, and great for kitchen knives. It’s easy to use and perfect for checking sharpness at the tip, middle, and heel of the blade.
- PT50B: A step up, the PT50B can handle double-edged knives like hunting knives or even scissors. It’s got a wider range of values, which means you can measure really sharp edges with precision.
- PT50A: The PT50A is the pro’s choice, ideal for knife shops or serious knife-makers. It’s got the broadest range of BESS C-scale values and works on a wide variety of knives and cutting tools.
All these models use the BESS standard, so you know you’re getting consistent and accurate results. They’re loved by both knife enthusiasts and professionals, and once you start using one, you’ll see why.
Wrapping Up
If you care about sharp knives—and who doesn’t?—the Edge-On-Up BESS Sharpness Testers are something you’ll want in your toolbox. They give you a scientific way to measure sharpness, so you’re not just guessing or relying on feel. With BESS, you can easily compare knives and keep them sharp, ensuring they’re always ready for action.
Ready to find your perfect tester? Check out the full range HERE.
