Each White Lion Blade is issued an SRS "Sharpness Rating Scale".

The SRS is a scientific testing method of the blade's ability to cut through a recognized medium, base on grams of pressure. 
The SRS consists of three measurements of the katana.
One: Closest to the Tsuka (handle)
Two: Mid-blade

Three: Near the Boshi (tip)
Some say the mid-blade is the most important measure, because that is the point of focus when cutting with the katana.  At White Lion, we measure all three points, then average them, so you get the most accurate measurement possible.

​

Process

The scale is set up so that only 2" of the center of the scale is exposed. A flat steel ring is fixed to allow only a 2" center of weighing area. A pedestal tool is equipped with a container of line that is standardized to BESS standards. Another smaller pedestal with a magnetic plate on the bottom is set on the flat steel ring to act as a fulcrum for the blade. The blade is slowly lowered until the edge of the blade makes contact with the medium. The scale is measuring the amount of downward force (gr.) that it takes to cut the line, and at that point locks the display at the highest point, when the line is cut. This is repeated in 3 locations on each blade. If any one measurement appears out of line with the rest, it is retested for accuracy. 
For example,

Sword #1:    78 - 160 - 173   Average = 137.0
This would be an incredibly sharp sword, as those numbers indicate the equivalent sharpness of a "double edged razor blade". (This is one of our blades in inventory)

Look for the SRS rating on each of our swords. Any number under 250 is considered
"Razor" sharp!

​

​