Scalpels

I've wanted to try a real scalpel for a while.

Where did you get yours, Don?

There is a manufacturing reason for scalpels working better than knife blades, Don. With a scalpel, we are "pulling with the tool marks" instead of against them as we have to with an X-acto style of blade.

Greg, you want Swann Morton scalpel blades and handles  www.hannants.co.uk/.../index.php

or you could start with Squadron's stuff  www.megahobby.com/search.aspx

but, just like cheap or quality hobby knives, you are going to want to upgrade to Swann if you like long lasting, quality made hobby stuff

Rex

(pulling with the tooling instead of against it is why scalpels work better with decals than hobby knives, the knives "trip and tear", even if it is microscopically)

Tarn Ship - I've been wanting to try scalpels for some time now as well. The page there on hannants is a bit overwhelming - what would you suggest as a starter package for the new scalpel user - as far as a handle and blades?

Thanks!

Daf

Paul Budzik has a youtube video about handles for scalpels,,,,,,,I didn't follow his advice and so, I don't have the handle he talks about, yet.   www.youtube.com/watch

I do have the #4 size handles and blades. (the flat shiny one on the left in his video)

Rex

Thanks for all the info, Rex. Very helpful.

Hey  Rex and others,

I second the Swan Morton recommendation. And, Don, I agree about using scalpels - the blades are 'sharp'. My preference is 10A blades instead of #11 (can post a pic of both if interest).

Thank you! :)

I get mine from Micro Mark- at least the handles.  They have a couple of styles. I find Amazon has blades, for quick response/good shipping.

Thanks, Don.

Get the Genuine Swan morton Blades & Handles  If possible, quality matters,

Small No 3 handle & 10a or 11 blades

& also Larger No 4 Handle with 23a blades  

rarely use anything else

Don what blades at amazon fit the micro mark handle, the fat red one.

Bill

I got my scalpel for free.  The Doc forgot it was still in there when he sewed me up…..

Hay,! Cadet chuck, I hope you were kidding? ,mike

Rememberthet three stooges short were they left all the instruments in the guy.

Bill

I am certainly not an expert, but I think scalpel blades are standard.  I just bought "scalpel blades and the two sources I bought them from fit both handles I have.  Got the second handle free with an order of a hundred blades- it is a cheap plastic one but does seem to work okay.

You're both right and wrong Don. There are several numbered handles like #3 (most common I think) and #4 but all blades for #3 will fit a #3 handle regardless of their actual shape.

Mike- no, not serious.  Just hoping for a freebie!

Thanks for the reply.that sort of thing happens from time to time. To get back on topic, I've used  scalpels for several years now and never found them to be much sharper than a new xacto blade

I use scalpel blades almost exclusively now due to their uber sharpness and simply being so inexpensive. I find it very difficult however to put them in the scalpel handle and picture myself slicing my fingers while doing it. I just drop them into my xacto knife holder and tighten it down like any other blade.

Chris

Chris,

I agree that installing/removing scalpel blades can be a hazard but there is a removal tool that, with care, can also be used to install them. Here's a pic of the one I've had for years. The bad news is I just looked on Amazon for 'scalpel blade remover' and got a shock at the price - over $30.00 for a piece of stainless steel. If I didn't have one I'd use small pliers. Oh my, the cost of health care related items is rising.

Pliers work fine.

Bill

Yep, that's how I do it. You don't ever wanna touch the blade

I find a small flat-nose pliers does a pretty good job.  I grab the top of the shank of the blade.

I have used them for years

     .Why ? well they did such a fine job . I asked the Doc if I could have the scalpels used on me and extra blades because the surgery cost so much .

     He came by my room with a gift . All wrapped up with a red ribbon and all , there were three different sized handles and a hundred blades each .

   he asked if I wanted the jar that had the slugs in it . Of course I said no .

I wish the perp had had to pay the bill . Oh my . Anyway I have been using these same handles since 1977. I think on sharpness there's a consensus that they are indeed sharper , with a light touch especially .They tend to break easier when carving something out of styrene though .

     All in all , I prefer the touch of the scalpel , but the trusty old X-Acto will always be on my bench in it's various sizes .

From what I'm reading some of you fellas seem to be struggling over this subject, not exactly sure why, but one again, I think for some, you would get some better information if you watch this video...As a dentist, I make my living using scalpels and lab blades

Don't slip  OUCH !

Having spent most of my life around people who work with (or try and work with) their hands, I've long since come to the conclusion that some people are better off staying away from sharp things.

Paul

Mr. Budzik, your videos are simply amazing sir!! I got a scalpel - the Squadron one, I believe - and a pack of blades a while back after watching your video about them. I recently searched on the internet about using them, and a LOT of interesting information came up. One that I found most interesting is about the different types of grips. I decided to practice a little, using the handle without a blade, just to see what the feel is like with the different grips. I think it was some valuable practice. I could immediately see how, in different situations, it would be more appropriate to use a pencil, overhand, or palm grip when cutting

Oh, and I completely second your observation about how certain people should stay away from sharp objects

I've ordered 100 #11 scalpel blades and a handle for $12.50 on Evil Bay.  Such a great value.