Blade Sharpness in Dermatologic Surgery

In the precise world of dermatologic surgery, not all blades are created equal. While surgeons and medical professionals are familiar with various blade types, one crucial characteristic often goes unexamined: sharpness. A recent study has shed light on this subtle but significant aspect of surgical instruments, revealing insights that could impact procedural outcomes and patient care.

The Hidden Importance of Blade Sharpness

Most medical professionals understand that different blades have unique advantages based on their shape and size. However, sharpness—a critical factor in blade performance—has historically been a subjective assessment. This lack of objective measurement means that surgeons have largely relied on experience and intuition when selecting blades.

A Scientific Approach to Measuring Sharpness

Researchers tackled this challenge by developing a standardized method to measure blade sharpness. Using the Sharpness Tester from the Cutlery and Allied Trades Research Association in Sheffield, UK, they measured the force required to cut through a silicone cylinder. This innovative approach provided a quantitative way to compare different blade types.

The Sharpness Ranking: Surprising Results

The study tested various blades used in dermatologic procedures, ranking them from sharpest to least sharp:

1. Double-edged razor blade (0.395 N) 
2. Dermablade (0.46 N)
3. #15c blade (0.575 N)
4. #10 blade (0.647 N)
5. Standard #15 blade (0.664 N)

The differences might seem minimal, but in surgical precision, even small variations can be significant.

Double Edge Razor Blades were the sharpest blade type tested by a large margin.

Implications for Surgical Practice

This research highlights that blade selection is not just about familiarity or habit. The sharpness of a blade can directly impact:

• Precision of incisions
• Patient comfort
• Healing and scarring potential
• Overall surgical efficiency

Practical Takeaways

For dermatologic surgeons and medical professionals, this study offers a new perspective:

• Consider blade sharpness as a critical factor in instrument selection
• Understand that different procedures might require different blade characteristics
• Be open to testing and comparing blade performance objectively

Conclusion

While technology and techniques in dermatologic surgery continue to evolve, sometimes the most critical improvements come from understanding the fundamental tools we use. Blade sharpness is no longer just a matter of intuition—it's a measurable, important consideration in surgical excellence.

Note: Always consult with medical professionals and follow established clinical guidelines when selecting surgical instruments.

Source: The Sharpness of Blades Used in Dermatologic Surgery. F. Awadalla, C. Hexsel, L. Goldberg. Published in Dermatologic Surgery 1 January 2016

   Replacement blades are a necessity to any operation involving frequent cutting or scraping. Therefore, a replacement blade should perform efficiently because it must also be both economical in price and high in quality. Depending on your operations, replacement blades should either be highly effective or durable if not both. Sometimes the same blade design but in a different material like stainless steel can be more advantageous in your process flow verses for example a lower priced carbon steel version. These are always considerations one should have when choosing a blade to keep your processes flowing and profits growing.

   Replacement blades can also refer to a secondary blade that is sufficient to use when your primary option is discontinued or delayed. So, it is important to have a resilient supply chain and multiple options. Accomplishing that is the hallmark of an adaptable and prepared team. At the Razor Blade Company, we are prepared to offer replacement blades and work with our customers to test and approve new blades to your existing process. Sourcing a replacement blade at the right price is the goal here as replacement blades will usually be more expensive since your primary choice is unavailable. To try best to avoid this issue from the start it is important to try and select mass-produced blades, work with a recommended supplier, and avoid high-priced custom-made razor blades when possible.

A highly innovative medical device manufacturer is currently experiencing an issue with the standard (non-cleanroom approved) single edge razor blades shown below:

Upon handling the razor blades, particulate is being transferred from the blade to the operators’ gloves. See below:

Glove Prior to Handling Razor Blade

Magnified Image of Glove Prior to Handling Razor Blade

Glove after Handling Razor Blade, Metallic Particulate Present on Finger Tips

Magnified Image of Glove after Handling Razor Blade

The images shown above are after handling a single razor blade. The next images shown below are after handling several razor blades.

For the manufacturer's processes, the razor blades are used by operators who also come into contact with plastic tubing. See below:

Once the operators have the metallic particulates on their gloves, it can be transferred to the tubing.

Additionally, a razor blade was wiped using IPA and a lint free cloth. The contaminant removed is shown below:

The medical manufacturer is accustomed to seeing some degree of particulate from single edge razor blades. However, it has become much more present. To the point where they are experiencing high yield loss (>25%) on certain lots of product.

The innovative manufacturer overcame this challenge with the GEM Runner Product Line. A one of a kind system, the GEM Runner is a re-loadable safety dispenser paired with clean room grade washed and degreased single edge blades. The results proved to achieve ultra-high levels of cleanliness while reducing waste and hand injury.

(English version of this article available here)

Hay una gran variedad de navajas en el Mercado y entendemos que estas opciones pueden ser abrumadoras. Es para nosotros un gusto seleccionar el producto de acuerdo a sus necesidades por teléfono y enseguida le proporcionamos una referencia para que usted mismo seleccione la navaja que necesita.

Comencemos con lo básico:

Si necesitas seleccionar algo básico, te sugerimos iniciar con la navaja multiusos 94-0186 Premium Razor blade. Una navaja de acero con recubrimiento de aluminio, esta navaja es una de las más vendidas por su precio y calidad. Algunas de las Compañías que usan esta navaja son compañías de manufactura, negocios para polarizar ventanas, compañías de limpieza.

Para clientes que están a gusto con la navaja básica pero buscan algo con más filo, le recomendamos nuestro producto con filo extra que es el 94-307 hecho con acero al carbón, fabricado a través de dos procesos de rectificación para hacerla más filosa. Los clientes regularmente empiezan con nuestra navaja premium y cambian a esta navaja cuando necesitan un extra. Extra aguda, doble filo esto aplica para estas navajas.

Cortes ultra finos:

Algunos clientes encuentran como la mejor opción las navajas de acero inoxidable para su negocio. El acero inoxidable es uno de los metales más maleables que el acero al carbón. Lo que esto significa para usted es un primer corte aún más exacto, y un proceso un poco más rápido que con el acero al carbón. Nuestras navajas de acero inoxidable vienen con recubrimiento para reducir la fricción o sin recubrimiento para usos en donde el aceite podría ser un problema, como cuando se corta papel. El acero inoxidable no es la mejor opción para todos, cuando su trabajo requiere de cortes muy precisos incluso una hoja de acero al carbón con filo extra no será suficiente, pruebe nuestras dos opciones de acero.

Trabajos pesados

Algunas veces los clientes necesitan uno de los dos tipos de navajas de uso pesado. Ya sea la de trabajo pesado hecha de acero inoxidable o la navaja súper delgada de .012"de grosor o la estándar de .009 de grosor. Los Clientes seleccionan la de recubierta de acero inoxidable cuando notan que la de recubrimiento de aluminio se dobla con el uso. Seleccionan también la de .012” de grosor cuando necesitan una navaja delgada para cortar o necesitan que sea la medida de una herramienta o de una máquina.

Opciones Economicas

Todas nuestras navajas de acero al carbón son suavizadas y afiladas, hechas con el tipo de acero al carbón 1095. Recientemente añadimos una línea económica de navajas hechas con el tipo de acero 1074 para trabajos en los que la calidad de la navaja no es prioridad. Si el precio es prioridad puede considerar esta línea económica. Ofrecemos diferentes navajas económicas para cubrir diferentes usos y negocios.

Casos especiales y Ambientes Esterilizados:

Algunos Clientes necesitan navajas certificadas para usarse en ambientes esterilizados. The Razor Blade Company le ofrece diferentes navajas con estos requerimientos y certificadas por ISO 14611-1 Estándares Clase 3 al 8. Estas navajas se ofrecen en paquetes de 10 dispensadores de navajas para eliminar las fibras que producen cuando están empacadas en el cartón. También ofrecemos empaques tipo dispensador de botón de presión. Este tipo de navajas son usados en ambientes esterilizados y son de uso común para cortar catéter.

 Nuestro personal especializado le brindará la ayuda necesaria. Por favor llamenos por cualquier pregunta que tenga con su orden.

Your sales pipeline management is an important part of keeping your supply side costs low. Here is how to determine your company’s purchasing patterns and save money from the analysis.

The Hierarchy of Decision Making

How many people does an order go through before it gets finalized? Is the hierarchy a bottleneck? These questions are the most important to ask at the beginning of your analysis, because people create systems, not the other way around.

Purchase Frequency

Is your company better served with an on demand schedule, or do you gain some leverage from stocking up in an off-season? Check the pricing of your suppliers to see if you can get better prices during certain times of the year, and weigh the savings there against your costs of storing inventory until you need it.

Purchase Payment

Cash flow is a very important part of business that too few people consider. A net 60 versus a net 30 payment structure can create the difference in payroll during a slow sales season. In general, use good credit to gain leverage for tough times.

Purchase History

Your past success in purchasing should dictate future policy. Are there certain times during the year when you can count on higher sales? Did having an inventory save you from a bottleneck in the past? Go over past records and determine the best pattern for your future through the best times in your past.

Please contact us when you are ready to buy razor blades at wholesale prices for industrial or commercial clients. We pride ourselves on being your trusted niche vendor with a cost-effective solution for your purchasing needs.