A system for testing blade sharpness comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting a material to be cut; a force measuring device operable, in use, to determine variations in force along a blade as parts of the blade contact the material; and a control system. The control system is adapted to receive a signal that a blade sharpness test is to be performed; in response to the signal, prepare the mounting arrangement for a blade sharpness test; detect when force on the material rises above a pre-determined level; detect when the blade sharpness test is completed; and provide an indication of the force of the blade on the material.