Sharpness

[Adam]

What is the most commonly used scale of sharpness? Does anyone know a webpage with examples of the comparitive sharpness of various things?

[russ_watters]

Sharp as in like a knife? I've never heard of one, but I'd imagine the best way to compare would be by the width of the edge.

[pallidin]

Originally posted by Adam
What is the most commonly used scale of sharpness? Does anyone know a webpage with examples of the comparitive sharpness of various things?

This is an interesting question.
As the width of the leading-edge would determine a degree of sharpness(as russ keenly pointed-out), I would imagine that the factor of edge-hardness or application durability would likewise be a key factor.
Given that, I would suppose that sharpness is relative.
For example, a "sharp knife" is only "sharp" if it cuts that which it contacts; in this sense of the term.
So, a "knife" which has a much finer leading-edge width but far less durability might well do little "cutting" and perhaps not even go through a stick of butter. Would this not be considered "less sharp"?
Just my thoughts.

[Adam]

Originally posted by pallidin
(as russ keenly pointed-out)
:P