Thread: microtome?

As promised, here are some photos of the set I have. Perhaps you can't see from the angle, but the numbered dial spins to raise/lower the holder in the center, and (it's missing a piece, but) there is a spring loaded stop that catches the grooves on the outside of the dial.

Well thats an interesting subject. Learned something new today.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

As promised, here are some photos of the set I have. Perhaps you can't see from the angle, but the numbered dial spins to raise/lower the holder in the center, and (it's missing a piece, but) there is a spring loaded stop that catches the grooves on the outside of the dial.

You wouldn't want that one in your house if you saw the samples in the histology lab I visited yesterday...

Years ago Jimmy and I did quite a bit of experimentation with Microtomes

Myths:

It is like a Kamisori, No really it isn't a Kamisori has two unequal hollow grinds hence the name "Asymmetrical Grind" a Microtome is designed for slicing much it the same way a single bevel Sushi knife is


We found that Yes, you can use them for shaving COMFORTABLY, by destroying the Single-sided bevel using unequal taping

Put a single layer of tape on the whole spine, now add a layer, to only the Flat side by cutting that layer at the top of the spine, repeat, that gives 3 layers to the Flat side and 1 layer to the Hollow side, that is about right..

No is will never match a Kamisori or a western grind but at least it will leave the skin on your face


Try it

Finally had my Microtome honed (according to the instructions above) and I can attest to getting a damn fine shave from it. It also seemed to take less pressure than used with a regular straight to achieve that result and that is based on the use of an alum block after the shave.