Pro PA vs. PA Elite - The Showdown

Welcome back to The Workshop! Today, we have the head-to-head comparison you've all been waiting for. It's a battle between the new Professional Precision Adjust and the original Precision Adjust Elite system. Our goal is to determine which one produces a finer edge. Join Josh and Kyle as they put these sharpening systems to the test using the exact same Wusthof Nikiri knives. With two dulled blades ready for action, the competition begins!

 

 

To ensure a fair comparison, both systems will be used to sharpen the knives to a 15-degree angle per side. The process involves removing a significant amount of material, resulting in a tall bevel. After sharpening, the knives will undergo multiple tests, including a paper test, microscopic examination, and measurement using the BESS tester.

 

Before delving into the experiment, a fair decision must be made. Josh and Kyle both want to use the new Pro PA, so they flip a coin to determine who gets the honor. With the outcome decided in Josh's favor, it's time to discuss expectations for this exciting test.

 

 

While both sharpening systems are expected to perform admirably, there are certain considerations to keep in mind. The Pro PA offers enhanced versatility for a wide range of knife sizes, while the original Precision Adjust is reliable and efficient. The chosen knife is suitable for both systems, ensuring a level playing field. However, the smaller Precision Adjust may require more time and effort due to its smaller abrasive plates and shorter throw.

 

With timers set, Josh and Kyle embark on the sharpening journey. Kyle begins with the original Precision Adjust, investing 47 minutes to bring the knife back to life. Meanwhile, Josh on the Pro PA, completes the task in a swift 36 minutes. Although Josh feels he could have gone even faster, both knives emerge sharp and ready for testing.

 

 

The Close-Up Test:

 

The first test involves examining the edges under the digital microscope. The knife sharpened on the original Precision Adjust exhibits a consistent and tall bevel, with some minor scratches from previous grits. Kyle used a sawing technique to power through the material, ensuring a sharp result. Despite slightly less rigidity in the PA's plastic construction, the bevel's consistency is commendable.

 

 

Moving on to the Pro PA, a noticeable difference in edge finish becomes apparent. The edge is cleaner, with a smoother and more defined transition from the shoulder to the edge. Josh employed a back-and-forth sweeping motion during the initial stages and switched to a straight sweeping motion as he progressed to higher grits. The Pro PA's rigidity delivers an impressive final result.

The Cutting Test:

 

To evaluate the knives' cutting performance, Josh and Kyle exchange knives and perform a few cuts on paper. Both knives effortlessly slice through, showcasing their sharpness. However, subtle differences can be felt. The knife sharpened on the Pro PA exhibits a smoother cutting action, while the one from the original Precision Adjust has a slight toothiness to it. These nuances are indicative of the different grit finishes used by each system.

 

 

The BESS Test:

 

The BESS tester provides objective measurements of sharpness. The knife sharpened on the original Precision Adjust achieves a score of 127, indicating exceptional sharpness. Meanwhile, the Pro PA-sharpened knife achieves an even lower score of 97, surpassing the reference point for a razor blade. Both knives exhibit remarkable sharpness, with the Pro PA taking a slight edge in the BESS test.

 

 

The Verdict:

 

After thorough testing, it's clear that both the Professional Precision Adjust and the original Precision Adjust Elite are exceptional sharpening systems. However, the Pro PA edges ahead in terms of speed, edge finish, and BESS scores. Its increased rigidity, versatility, and efficiency make it the preferred choice for those seeking the ultimate sharpening experience. That said, the original Precision Adjust is a reliable and capable system in its own right, offering consistent results at a more accessible price point.

 

Whether you opt for the Pro PA or the original Precision Adjust, you can be confident in achieving razor-sharp edges with ease. Both systems represent the pinnacle of precision sharpening, catering to different needs and preferences. The choice ultimately comes down to your priorities: the cutting-edge performance of the Pro PA or the dependable reliability of the original Precision Adjust.

 

 

Check out the full YouTube video below to see the complete showdown in action!

 

 

Shop the Professional Precision Adjust and the Precision Adjust Elite below: