[Histonet] Microtome knives

[HARRISON,Sharon R]

Hi All,
I am Sharon Harrison, supervisor of Histopathology lab at UWI Mona in Kingston Jamaica.

I agree with you that we still need to have the solid blades for the cutting of hard tissue such as cervix fibroids and bone. Hence we have to maintain some vestige of the old technology of knife sharpening, as the disposable blades are quite expensive.

The disposable blades are great for biopsies and softer tissue but a real pain for getting sections of the harder tissues.

Therefore I advice having both systems especially if your laboratory handles all types of tissue specimen.
Sharon Harrison
Chief Medical Technologist
DMT, BSc, MPH



________________________________________
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Massimo [max_histo_00 <@t> yahoo.it]
Sent: Sunday, November 11, 2012 4:44 AM
To: Jon Krupp; Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Microtome knives

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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