The following is a representation of values or "scores" according to the BESS "C" scale. The scores enumerated are offered as example representatives of some edges that are in common use. Knowledge of these common sharpness values gives the "C" scale relevance to the user.

The BESS "C" scale was created in order to accommodate those testing means that do not include an inherent "piston mass" and also to more easily accommodate those edges that are sharper than the "standard DE razor blade" that the BESS "A" scale imposes. Conversion between "A" and "C" scales is quite straight forward. When using the "C" scale simply deduct 50 points from the measured value to convert to "A" and when using the "A" scale, add 50 points to convert to "C".

While the "C" scale is very useful it does raise some interesting points for further consideration. The "C" scale shares the same top value (2000) as the "A" scale. In theory the top value should be 2050 (50 pt's. greater than the "A" scale). As a practical consideration this is unimportant in that few people and entities are concerned with how dull and edge is as opposed to how sharp it is. Still, this point warrants further discussion.

Secondly, there can be no "0" value of sharpness as expressed by the "C" scale. Once again, this is not an issue in practice but in form. Still, this point warrants further definition as well.

For both "A" and "C" scales the top value (2000) has been represented by the unsharpened blank edge of a DE razor blade. This is for illustrative purposes only in that the unsharpened blank represents an edge that has no defined apex. It does have two, roughly, 90 degree corners though and those become the edges that actually sever the test media at or about 2000 grams of mass or force. Defining "sharp" is somewhat simple, defining "dull" not so simple. Fortunately, as stated earlier, there is much more interest in measuring the level of sharpness than the level of dullness. BESSU has defined both the "0" value and the "2000" value of the BESS "A" scale dimensionally (apex width and radius).These numbers have no meaning nor relevance however to the vast majority of users and that is a key element of the BESS, relevance.
                  The BESS "C" Scale
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