I was constantly throwing away dull scissors,razor bladesand anything else that would not cut. I stumbled on something that looks promising. I am now using scalpal blades and their handles. They are cheap ,disposable and really work. The blades come on various shapes and sizes. To get a box or two type in scalpal blades and search around.

I have been using scapal blades for a long time (also a physician). Depending on your individual needs you may want to look the Fisher Scientific web site --- the blades come in more shapes and sizes than you can imagine, they are typically sold in boxes of 50-100.

Please be careful they will cut you before you know it. Also the sharpness does not last very long, remember they are designed as one time use.

zach

Cheaper than x acto or single edged blades and hold up just as well I believe.

Have you tried B and D brand?

I guess there is no need to say what DOC ski has been using since I started building rods. I called it practice for minor surgery and of course had to have LOTS of supplies to practice with at home. I like #11s the best. So nice to have a wealthy UNCLE

My Tax dollars at work??? LOL


Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

I found a source for superior scalpel blades named Hu-Friedy from a company on @#$%& named Chosmic. The blades are carbon steel and hold an edge quite well. I think I paid around $11.00 for a box of 100 size11's. I also picked up a long ( 8" ) handle which is more comfortable to me than the regular 5" model. Chosmic is great to deal with. I highly recommend them.
Dave

I make my own scapel with a small handle X -acto and 400 grit sandpaper. As the blade gets dull, a few swipes on the sandpaper and I'm back in business. One blade will last many moons.

It'll "cut deep"......seriously deep!!

For close, flush cuts on thread tag ends, etc. you can't beat a good pair of Cuticle Clippers for about $20 (The good ones come with lifetime free sharpening) They will cut flush to the wrap everytime without cutting the wrap. I first saw them used by Bill Stevens (the Ragin' Cajun) in Charlotte.

Mike

Bill,

I have been using Swan Morton surgical blades for years. You buy handles in variuous sizes for light thread work I use size 2 and size 4 for heaver jobs. The blade that works best for me has a curve on the end and is no 10 for the smaller handle. The blades come in packs of 5 and cost about a dollar. I use a new blade for every rod I wrap although it may be possible to get two or thee rods per blade. I use the once used blades then fo rother less demanding tasks. These are the same blades and scalpel handles used by surgeons and can be very dangerous because they can cut initially causing no pain. I always make sure that I am wearing shoes when using them having once dropped one and it narrowly missed my big toe. I also insist that no one in my family can come into my shop whilst working until they are called in. Too easy to have a serious accident.

Regards

Mike O.