Blade sharpness testing device

Apparatus for testing the sharpness of a cutting blade, comprising:

• tape extending between a feeder and a receiver;
• tensioning means arranged to apply tension to the tape;
• a carrier arranged to bring the blade and a stretch of the tape into contact such that the blade progressively makes a long-ways cut in it;
• measuring means arranged to detect the amount of force exerted between the blade and the stretch of tape necessary for the cut to occur and, based on this, to determine whether the blade or parts of it are sufficiently sharp;
• characterised in that the apparatus has:
• a first clamp arranged to lock the stretch of tape when in a straight line for contact with the blade, the first clamp having a main opening through which the tape moves longitudinally when driven between the feeder and receiver, and also having a side opening arranged to enable the tape to be side-loaded into the first clamp;
• a first guide arranged to retain a first stretch of the tape in the straight line, the first guide having a main opening through which the tape moves longitudinally when driven between the feeder and receiver and also having a side opening arranged to enable the tape to be side-loaded into the first guide;
• and
• a second guide arranged to retain a second stretch of the tape in a straight line between the first and second guides such that the second stretch of tape is presented to and is engaged by a second clamp.