Scalpels

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Tools
1

I tried a scalpel several months ago now. I am sold on it. I will continue to use X-acto knives for many uses, but when I need super sharp I now turn to the scalpel. Was trimming some masking tape on a windshield last night, and it really does the job on that, better than a brand new X-acto blade.

At first I found it a bit awkward changing blades, but now that I have the hang of it it takes just about the same time as changing blades in X-acto style knives.

2

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

Where did you get yours, Don?

3

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)

4

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

5

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

6

Thanks for all the info, Rex. Very helpful.

7

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).

8

Thank you! :slight_smile:

9

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.

10

Thanks, Don.

11

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

12

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

Bill

13

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

[:^)]

14

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

15

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

Bill

16

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.

17

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.

18

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

19

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

20

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