Microtome Knives 



47 



Figure 6. Scco)id set of strokes for microtome knife honing. 



left, roll knife over on its back, and return over same path in opposite 

 direction (course #2) moving from top left to bottom right — 3 or 4 

 times. Move knife toward left into position in Fig. 6 and follow course 

 :^3, moving from bottom left to top right, and return from top right 

 to bottom left (course #4) — same number of times as above. Repeat 

 these strokes on hone until deep nicks and scratches are eliminated. 

 When all nicks and deep serrations have been removed (check under 

 dissecting scope), the knife is ready to be stropped, a final polishing 

 action. Do not use a sagging hammock-like strop unless it can be held 

 tightly flat, otherwise it rounds the knife edge. The best type is 

 mounted on a felt pad on a hardAvood block. This allows a bit of 

 cushion, but on a solid surface. With a soft cloth keep the strop surface 

 clean and free of dust. Rubbing the leather with the hand improves 

 the texture. Do not use mineral oil on it. If the leather becomes dry, 

 w^ork in Neetsfoot oil, working over small areas at a time, not the entire 

 strop. Buff with soft towelling at once; do not allow the oil to sit on it 

 and soak in or develop a gunnny mess. 



