The Blade / Generic

• Capacity: 150 grams

• Readability:  0.1g (full spectrum)

• Accuracy (as tested):  ±0.2g

• Modes: Grams, Ounces, Grains, Carats

• Tare: Yes

• Calibration:  Digital Auto Calibration using a 100 gram weight (optional)

• Warranty:  10 years / 5 years (No Fees)

• Included Accessories:  AAA Batteries, Clear Plastic top cover

• Size: 3.5" Square

• Price (avg) $39

This scale is sold under several brands including "American Weigh Blade",  "Fuzion FP",  "Digiweigh BZ" and others.  It's made by XCH Sensor in China and is imported by various trading companies as mentioned above.  The novelty of this scale is that it has a display on a click-type hinge.  You press in on the side of the display and it clicks open,  then you push it back in to click it closed (like some kitchen cabinets).  It's a cute gimmick but doesn't lend itself to weighing devices.   We couldn't figure out what the overall advantage was to this - normally with a scale you want to protect the weighing surface from overload.   Thus most modern scales have a cover that protects both the weighing surface and the LCD.  We're a bit baffled by why you'd want to only protect the LCD,  when 99% of scale failures are caused by overload or shock to the weighing sensors (not the LCD).

The size of the scale is a bit awkward,  it is 3.5" square.  This makes it too big to put in your pocket,  and is substantially larger than most other pocket scales in the market.  The display is backlit, but really small,  the numbers are only 0.05" x 0.2" (for example the Ohaus Emerald's digits are 5X larger). In fact the number are so small that we realized they are the smallest out of any scale we have ever seen!   This could be a serious caveat for anyone with less then perfect eyesight.  Notice how the head on the penny is larger than the displayed numbers below.

The Blade uses a standard 1.75" x 0.2" load cell with multiple strain gauge sensors.  The Blade lost some points after not surviving our drop tests,   but this is common for load cell scales with metal trays.  If not properly cushioned,  steel tray pocket scales are more susceptible to damage than their plastic tray bearing counterparts.  This is because metal transmits shock at a higher rate than plastic (and also weighs more).

However the biggest problem with this model is that items tend to get stuck under the tray.  This is because the tray rests in the center of the scale, with cavernous gaps at every side.  When weighing loose items, they tended to fall into the gap and get stuck under the tray.   To make matters worse the tray is not removable (unless you disassemble the entire scale) and there are channels under the weighing tray that collect the fallen items and funnel them towards the load cell - a true recipe for disaster in our opinion and experience.

Our tests for accuracy and reproductability were both good,  the 4-corner weight test gave standard deviations +/- 0.2g which is good.  We found that the load cell was a bit too narrow for perfect 4 corner weighing, as tolerances of 0.2g were experienced at the far corners during our tests but near perfect accuracy was achieved in the center of the tray. Drift was minor and within tolerance (no drift within 20 seconds,  0.1g - 0.2g drift occasionally after 20-40 seconds. The Blade/Generic is powered by 2 AAA batteries.

Overall: Thumbs down :(
This scale is "more flash than dash".  It's only selling feature is the click open display,  but other than that it has a lot of design flaws.   For this sort of money you can buy various other classic scales with a normal weighing tray and full cover,  and still have enough money left over to buy some accessories.