All, I use scalpels exclusively. #5 handle(large mounting) and #25 blades. The blades may be had sterilized or un sterilized. The blades are inexpensive which is good because I go through 3 or 4 on a rose. Most any medical supply house will have both handles and blades.
No sharpening ever required as they are much sharper, with all respect, than any builder can ever sharpen a tool. I once walked into a medical supply house and asked for the #25 blades. The salesman took a quick look at me and said "Instrument builder?" I replied in the affirmative and asked how he could tell. "Well, only two people seem to use the #25 blade, instrument makers and Rabbis. You just don't look like a Moyle to me." Best, Rob Dorsey http://LuteCraft.com To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
