Thread: Scalpel...

My wife is now in her cadaver class and not happy with her toolset (house scalpel). We are looking to buy a set and I'm sure I can put a better edge on them to keep her happy.

Can anyone help me in this area?

Hi,

A touch of elegance would be to use a vintage autopsy knife from one of the old English instrument suppliers, though they are a touch on the large size for fine work !

These knifes seem to quite collectible these days.

best regards

Russ

I can give you some VERY limited help, after texting your question to my dad who is a retired RN.

1. A vintage dissection scalpel sounds cool, but the instructor probably won't allow it.
2. The bevel needs to be less acute than the bevel on a straight. A straight razor used as a scalpel would dull pretty quickly because the human body, even one that's been dead a while, can be a LOT tougher on an edge than shaving. Somewhere between a straight and narrow bevel fillet knife, but honed up to the highest grit you've got.

Looking at Ebite I see mostly blades and handles, how do I find good ones in that mess... I don't think she would be a fan of the old blade style that look like funny short steak knives... but I sure like em

Are all the #s and such needed for cadavers?

i used to use a lot surgical scalpes. their sharpness wasn't bad all. usually we used only ones. i am not sure are we talking about same one or different.

Speaking professionally, the edges on scalpels dull quickly for several reasons. The human body is quite tough, and the chemistry of the secretions therein attack the fine edge and dull it quickly. In addition, the scalpels are made by the lowest bidder to meet the specifications of the task for a one-time single-use then throw it away blade. The cadaver end of the business is a ghastly necessity for forensics or education. But I've seen living flesh dull a blade to the dissatisfaction of a surgeon within inches of starting to work.

I asked my dad (Veterinarian- He's a professor as well as a practicer, and has years of experience including surgery and necropsy- its actually very funny, he learned how to use a knife steel in necropsy class, and when we butcher animals it becomes an anatomy lesson and his knives are pretty much as sharp as his scalpels) and he says if you want quality, Solingen is somewhat available, but Solingen is to knive/blades as Tuttlingen is to medical equipment. Two summers ago I was able to visit a factory in Tuttlingen and I would have to agree. All their stuff was artisan hand made, just like razors. Aesculap, Chiron, etc. All good names.

I remember someone once telling me the sharpest scalples are made of Black Obsidian.

so here you go... I dont think they dull as easily as other materials.

Obsidian Scalpels-Fine Science Tools Inc

Cheers
D