Razor Blades Ask most any person about the use of razor blades in the medical sciences and they will likely describe razors, much like a Bic®, used to shave a patient prior to surgery. However, the medical use of Razor Blades has evolved and Razor Blades are a key component serving an important role in clinical, surgical, and pathological applications. The versatility of the Razor Blade has made it a medical supply staple—no emergency or first aid kit should be without a razor. This article explores the uses and manufacture of Razor Blades. What is a Razor Blade? In its simplest definition a Razor Blade is a flat edged cutting tool, the primary purpose of which is to shave hair. The common double-edged replacement Razor Blade is about 1 1/2" x 3/4" and is designed to fit in a safety razor handle. The usefulness of the Razor Blade comes from its flexibility and wafer-like thinness. The double-edged replacement Razor Blade has been around since the early 20th century. It has been adapted for use in a range of fields including art, industry, and science. Blade Manufacture The Razor Blades used by the medical industry are made from a variety of materials. The most popular material is steel. These blades must be sharp enough to cut a microscopic section of tissue for biopsy and be durable enough to provide users with sufficient value. A typical manufacture process begins with raw steel that is cut from a die to contain the blade shape. The steel is then heated and cooled to temper it, refining the hardness and tightness of the material. The goal of the heating and cooling process is to even out the metal's grain structure (without eliminating essential carbides) so that it is seamless. Done properly, the heating and cooling process creates a blade that has no significant fracture seams (is strong and flexible) and no significant carbide lumps to cause breakout (nicks in the blade surface). Once heat-treated the cutting edge is ground using a series of grinders and a final polisher. Depending upon the intended application of the Razor Blade, a finish is added (such as Teflon or Titanium). Razor Blades may also be found that are made from Zirconia Ceramic and Tungsten Carbide. Razor Blade as a Surgical Tool The Razor Blade is ideally suited to the medical industry because of its ability to make small incisions and to cut across a flat surface. It is particularly effective in dermatologic surgery for instances where shaving and/or biopsy of skin lesions is necessary. For this practice a standard shaped blade is used and physicians have devised custom handles to help them manipulate the Razor Blade safely and efficiently. Other dermatologic uses of Razor Blades include treating blood vessels around the nose, scar revision and removal of superficial blemishes. Ophthalmic surgeons may use Razor Blades to assist in the removal of cataracts and to correct postkeratoplasty astigmatism. The surgical use of the Razor Blade extends to such areas as vasovasotomy, skin grafting, treatments for axillary hyperhidrosis, and in dental surgery conditions such as IPH (to name just a few). By MS Kauffman            Related Links: JAMA & Archives A search results listing of articles discussing various Razor Blade use and techniques.

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