Lynne,
We just switched over to disposable blades in August.  It is about $2.00 per
disposable blade.  We use Richard Allen disposable blades, Cat# 4280L.
There are 50 blades per box and costs about $60/box.  I usually cut 50
blocks with one blade.  We were paying $11-14.00 to sharpen our knives.  So,
yes you will save money and they are safer to work with because the corners
do not stick out like the permanent blades.  I don't know who sharpens your
knives, but wow! they are expensive.  I say switch now!!

Genie Ryan
"Histogenie"

P.S.  The docs like them better in the cryostat because they are easier to
adjust. :-)

-----Original Message-----
From: Lynne Anguish [mailto:lja2@cornell.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2001 8:51 PM
To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: cryotome blades


Hi all,
I have a question about cryotome blades. We have a Reichert Cryocut 
1800 and have been using the "old" stainless steel blades that have 
to be sharpened. Here at the Institute , every lab has their own 
blades and takes care of them themselves. We have to send them out to 
be sharpened as we do not have a blade sharpener. I'm looking into 
getting a disposable blade holder and disposable blades.
My question is..... what is the benefit of disposable blades as far 
as cost (vs cost of sharpening older knives) and how long does a 
disposable blade last vs an edge on the non disposables. I'm trying 
to get an idea if the overall cost would be less with a disposable 
blade system. Right now it is costing us around $40 to sharpen one of 
our blades.
Thanks!
Lynne Anguish
-- 
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+ Lynne J. Brundage-Anguish                      +
+ James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health     +
+ New York State College of Veterinary Medicine  +
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