FAQs

1. What is the reconditioning / re-sharpening service?

Reconditioning is the process of returning your steel or tungsten-carbide knife to the original factory specifications. Re-Sharpening is the process of putting the precise cutting edge on your steel and tungsten-carbide knives. We recondition every knife before re-sharpening to maintain consistency, quality, and useable life of the blade.

2. How do I know when it is time to recondition / re-sharpening my knives?
The easiest way to tell if your blade needs to be sent in for reconditioning / re-sharpening is when you notice a decline in the quality of the sections such as section tears, or uneven staining due to thick and thin streaks. Microscopic fractures in the blade from routine use and especially from cutting implant materials such as cardiovascular stents are easily fixed by our service. Even if you are unsure if service is needed, just send us your knives and we will personally inspect them to let you know if service is needed.

3. How long does it take to use your service?

Upon receipt of your equipment, they are in our shop no longer than three days and more often than not your equipment is return shipped the day after we receive it. We return ship via FedEx ground service, if you are in a rush we can offer same day turnaround on your equipment and return ship overnight or 2nd day air.

4. I'm getting thick and thin sections when I cut, what's wrong with the knife?
Nothing is wrong with the knife. This phenomenon happens for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is cutting with an incorrect knife angle. This can cause your block to compress on the first cut giving you a very thin 1st section. The block then rebounds on the second cut and yields a very thick section. This problem can be easily fixed by adjusting your knife holder to the appropriate cutting angle. Simply contact us if you need assistance and we would be happy to walk you through the process.

5. How do I extend the cutting life of the blade in between reconditioning services?

Start trimming your blocks on one side of the blade and mark this area with a pencil or alcohol resistant pen. After your block is trimmed, then cut your good sections on the other side of the line. Once your good area becomes dull, make another line at the edge of the cutting area. This area will now be where you trim. Cut your good sections on the opposite side of the line. Repeat this procedure until you have used the entire length of the blade.

6. The cutting edge of my knife keeps breaking out, what's wrong with the knife?

Again, there is typically not anything wrong with the knife, but there are a variety of reasons for this problem. Microtomes and microtome knives are designed to work in specific planes, which require the machine and knife to maintain a proper included angle. When the angle is off, the blade will either scrape or gouge the block and cause break outs in the cutting edge. This problem must be fixed by reconditioning the blade as well as by adjusting the knife holder to the proper angle. Another common cause of break out on the cutting edge is from cutting too fast or using too much pressure while cutting. Cutting should always be done at a consistent speed and pressure to avoid breakout.

7. How do I prepare my instruments for reconditioning?

Each knife should be cleaned and put in its case. The individual case should then be latched shut and/or closed with a rubber band to ensure that it stays in its case during transit. The individual cases should then be placed in a container for shipping with ample packing material. It is very important to have AMPLE PACKING. Your instruments are sensitive, and the transportation can be rough on them. To avoid damage to both knives and cases during transit, make sure there is ample packing in the container. DO NOT USE ENVELOPES FOR SHIPPING. You should include your contact information within the package as well as a “bill to” and “ship to” address. If paying with a purchase order please include a copy of this with the package, or if using a credit card please either include your telephone number (so we can call and get the information when the work is complete) or include the receipt of this transaction from our online store.

8. I live and work outside the USA; can I still use your service and buy your products?

Yes, we do work worldwide. The majority of our products can be shipped anywhere in the world. Unfortunately some of our chemical products are only available in the USA due to security and safety issues.

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