[Histonet] Microtome knives

[Massimo]

I prefer to sharpen my microtome knives by myself by hand.
I have a vintage Cambridge Rocking Microtome and despite its age it works very well.
Sharpening is a time consuming for the first time, it's depends on the conditions of the blade edge.
Once you have a nice cutting profile its maintenance it's quite easy and it takes a few minutes by
stroking the knife on a flat glass with oil and a bit of aluminium oxide powder (3 -1 micron grits).
For me sharpening and honing of a microtome knife has became a secondary "hobby".
A solid knife has the advantage, compared to a disposable blade, to be liable to less vibrations.

Kind Regards,
Massimo Tosi


"A humble Chemical
Engineer who loves Histology"





________________________________
 Da: Jon Krupp <jkrupp <@t> deltacollege.edu>
A: Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
Inviato: Venerdì 9 Novembre 2012 19:49
Oggetto: [Histonet] Microtome knives
 
Greetings

I need some advice regarding microtome knives. I am not  histo tech, I did all my sectioning in a plant research lab, but now I find myself needing to learn more about histo type methods.

We have microtomes, AO 820's, and we have a bunch of donated knives. I need advice about whether it would be better to find a knife sharpener and use the microtome knives we have, or check into getting a disposable knife holder. 

When I was sectioning, we just used a simple razor blade holder. Now I see references to high profile and low profile blades and holders, and I don't know the difference. 

Anyone willing to help me out?

Thanks

Jon

Jonathan Krupp
Delta College
5151 Pacific Ave.
Box 212
Stockton, CA  95207
209-954-5284
jkrupp <@t> deltacollege.edu

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