Scalpels

[LSP_Kevin]

A couple of years ago, a friend gifted me a box of #10 scalpel blades, but since I didn't have a handle for them, they've just been sitting in a drawer ever since. I decided to purchase a suitable handle so that I could finally use them, which after a bit of research is apparently a #3 handle. I found one on Amazon, and it arrived today. However, the blade is quite loose on the handle, with lots of wobbling about and instability in all directions - practically useless, really! Now, I had to look up how to fit the blades in the first place, as I've never used this style of cutting implement before, so it's possible that I've fitted it incorrectly. But it's not like it's so loose it's going to come off by itself - I still needed pliers to pry it off.

 

So for those of you who use, or are familiar with the use of, scalpels: is it common for there to be this kind of discrepancy in sizes, or have I just done something wrong?

 

Kev

[MikeC]

They're my standard modelling knife for anything but heavy jobs.  I say "they" as I have three #3 handles, one for each type of blade I use (#10, #11 and #15T).  I've never come across the problem you describe. 

 

Two thoughts occurred to me.

 

First, are your blades the same brand (eg Swann Morton) as the handle?

 

Second, perhaps they make blades to fit different handle sizes?  I had a look at my box of #10s: on one end of the box at the bottom (see photo) is a series of numbers/hyphens and a symbol that look like a handle.  I wonder whether this is the range of handles that particular blade will fit.  If yours is the same, then sorry, I'm at a loss.

 

Perhaps you could post a pic of the loose blade in place?

 

[LSP_Kevin]

Thanks for your thoughts, Mike. These are the blades in question:

 

 

 

This is the handle, which is just a generic unit I bought off Amazon:

 

 

 

And fitted:

 

 

If I pick the handle up, the blade actually rattles on its mount, and the rear end can easily move from side to side, as well as in a vertical direction. The blades were free and the handle wasn't expensive (though more expensive than the average X-acto style handle!) - so I can afford to write it off as a failed experiment if necessary.

 

Kev

 

Kev

[MikeC]

The blade, and the slot in it, look exactly like mine. Sorry I'm out of ideas.  Unless the handle was second-hand rather than new and the blade fitting worn. But that's clutching at straws.

[LSP_Matt]

Nah it's too small a handle Kev.  With the correct-sized handle it will be very snug, won't move at all and can be tricky to get out. 

 

You'll need a pair of needle-nosed pliers to lift the back of the scalpel blade and slide it forward and off.

Ebay link

[LSP_Kevin]

This is the one I bought:

 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Bainbridge-No-Straight-Scalpel-Handle/dp/B0C15J5C62/ref=rvi_sccl_1/355-1590873-6672164?pd_rd_w=9Qtr9&content-id=amzn1.sym.27aa7904-0762-4d7d-89ab-5c11fd177d32&pf_rd_p=27aa7904-0762-4d7d-89ab-5c11fd177d32&pf_rd_r=CE9TDEM1PFBQF2QQF9HV&pd_rd_wg=ZYDi9&pd_rd_r=a03f298e-f326-4aeb-bb5a-572561412c95&pd_rd_i=B0C15J5C62&psc=1

 

Kev

[Stevepd]

I know it sounds silly but I buy the manufacturers handle and not a copy/general one. Life's just simpler and you don't want any movement at all

[LSP_Matt]

10 minutes ago, LSP_Kevin said:

This is the one I bought:

 

 

 

Kev

If you have calipers you could try to measure the No 3 handle.  Mine are  2->2.2mm wide and 17.6mm long where the scalpel slides over tucks into a groove to secure it to the handle.

I have No 11 and No 13 blades.

The No 10 blade looks as though it shoud fit the #3 handle.


 

[wunwinglow]

Buy GENUINE Swann Morton handles and blades......

 

Problem solved!

 

 

[chrish]

12 hours ago, LSP_Kevin said:

A couple of years ago, a friend gifted me a box of #10 scalpel blades, but since I didn't have a handle for them, they've just been sitting in a drawer ever since. I decided to purchase a suitable handle so that I could finally use them, which after a bit of research is apparently a #3 handle. I found one on Amazon, and it arrived today. However, the blade is quite loose on the handle, with lots of wobbling about and instability in all directions - practically useless, really! Now, I had to look up how to fit the blades in the first place, as I've never used this style of cutting implement before, so it's possible that I've fitted it incorrectly. But it's not like it's so loose it's going to come off by itself - I still needed pliers to pry it off.

 

So for those of you who use, or are familiar with the use of, scalpels: is it common for there to be this kind of discrepancy in sizes, or have I just done something wrong?

 

Kev

I ran into the same thing, bought from the LHS the blade was so loose I tried shimming it with aluminum tape, made it tougher to mount and dismount but still wobbled when mounted. Returned to the LHS and sampled a few other handles, 2 more out of 5 tested were just as bad the other 3 were good.

we tried peening the mount area at the hobby shop with a hammer and a blade mounted..we split the blade and the next blade installed, still wobbled 

I’ve taken to buying only 100 pack zirc. blades from Exacto…can split atoms with those

[LSP_Kevin]

Thanks for your input, everyone. It sounds like the cause of the problem is a cheaply-made handle with sloppy tolerances. I have no desire to chase that rabbit down the hole, so this experiment in using a scalpel for the hobby is officially over. I do have a dearth of quality X-Acto style handles though, and have found just as much variance in size and quality there. I really must find some decent ones!

Kev

[Tony C]

I have used Swann Morton handles and blades for over 50 years and have never had the issue that you are describing!

Looking at the pictures of your blades and the handle, I would say that the two are from two different manufacturers and whilst they may ‘fit’, they are not meant for each other, with 1 or both even being Chinese copies and not manufactured to the same tolerances, hence the loose fit!

 

The Swann Morton blades can be a bit fragile and snap when being used but the are my knife/blade of choice!

 

Edited August 2, 2023 by Tony C

[Stevepd]

6 hours ago, Tony C said:

I have used Swann Morton handles and blades for over 50 years and have never had the issue that you are describing!

Looking at the pictures of your blades and the handle, I would say that the two are from two different manufacturers and whilst they may ‘fit’, they are not meant for each other, with 1 or both even being Chinese copies and not manufactured to the same tolerances, hence the loose fit!

 

The Swann Morton blades can be a bit fragile and snap when being used but the are my knife/blade of choice!

 

Luckily from my first employment after college, I had access to Swann Morton range and subsequent jobs after that until last year when we all were made redundant. I've only got a couple of blades left and a new experience for me - BUYING THEM!

[mozart]

Frome model shop Steve! 

[Thunnus]

18 hours ago, LSP_Kevin said:

 I do have a dearth of quality X-Acto style handles though, and have found just as much variance in size and quality there. I really must find some decent ones!

Kev

 

Not sure if you are looking for a good x-acto handle but I find the X-Acto Gripster style the best...

 

 

All of the x-acto handles I have with the tightening collet near the blade come loose over time.  The Gripster-style never loosens.  And the square nut keeps the knife from rolling off the table and stabbing your foot!