Using kitchen scale

[Ken S]

I think my reply is being midunderstood. I can understand why. I do believe that standardized paper gives a more reliable test than whatever paper happens to be lying around. However, I do not believe that paper testing is at all comparable to the measured, repeatable testing obtainable with BESS equipment.

My point was meant to be do not expect BESS level testing accuracy with lesser equipment. I should have been more blunt and stated that I believe the company which pioneers a new technology should be the one which benefits from the revenue it produces.

Ken

[SHARPCO]

An exhaustive explanation by EOU - also explains the specifications Acquisition Rate of 25 measurements per sec for PT50a vs 10 for PT50b, and the better precision of the PT50a.

BTW shouldn't Specifications be added as the last page in your PT50_Series_Manual_A_B_C.pdf ?

There is a logical very low cost option. The problem with the paper cutting option is the variety of papers used. In itself, it is not a bad method. Spending around $5 US for a box of quality 20lb copy paper goes a long way toward making the tests consistent. With care and practice, one can soon develop a feel and an ear for good cutting.

Admittedly, this method has its limitations. It provides no repeatable numeric of sharpness like BESS. However, for the more casual sharpener or those on a tight budget, a well regulated paper testing routine has possibilities.

I have been corresponding with another bessex member who just purchased a PT-50A, the top of the line. He chose wisely. He is a machinist, accostumed to working within very tight tolerances. Regardless of his actual sharpness needs, he would not feel comfortable working with a tester which did not have the highest accuracy.

I was quite content with my KN-100, and am very happy with my original PT-50. However, in hindsight, if it had been available at the time, I should have purchased a PT-50A. I had no idea then how involved with sharpening I would become.

Ken

Another problem with cutting paper is it makes blade dull. I found that cutting the A4 three times increases the BESS score by 20.

[grepper]

Mr. Sharpco, I'm guessing you used an edge tester to discover cutting paper decreased sharpness by 20.  

Mr. Ken, I don't think anyone misunderstood what you were saying. 

Cutting paper is actually useful and gives a "general" impression of sharpness.  Carefully dragging the blade against the edge of paper can actually indicate toothiness and burr.  I can feel and hear it.  I've done it for so many years I have a pretty good idea of how it feels and what it means.

That said, of course it has nothing to do with actually measuring edge sharpness.  It's more like knowing your razor is dull because it's getting a little grabby, uncomfortable and taking more strokes when shaving.   I can tell when the razor is dull without knowing how sharp it is.

[Ken S]

Well stated, Mr. Grepper. 

While in no way diminishing the value of BESS testing, I do believe that paper testing and other test procedures are useful. A carefully done paper test along the length of the blade can reveal a part of the blade in need of a bit more attention. In a way, it is like test driving a vehicle. It will not give any measurable data like horsepower, however, it is a good indicator of how the vehicle will run on the road. Paper testing will not produce a repeatable measure of sharpness which can be duplicated by another sharpener anywhere on the planet, a concept which still amazes me; it will produce a quick and easy visual assurance for the farmers market or woodworking show customer that the edge is sharp. 

Your example of tactilly knowing when a razor blade is well chosen for most people. In my case, I have had my present full beard for twenty six years. I am not the ideal poster child.  

One of many things I find refreshing about this exchange is the respectful blending of many ideas.

Ken