Dear Ilana,

To my knowledge,there are two types of tungsten blades for microtome, most of which need an adaptor.However, I saw tungsten blades like reusable traditional microtome knife.

Regards,

Dear Ilana Shtein, it might depend [as usual (:-)) ] on the TYPE or BRAND of rotary microtome and/or the type/brand of disposable blades you use or have in mind....

You might get some insight by visiting:

www.ddk.com/tungsten-carbide-knives.php

http://www.polysciences.com/default/catalog-products/disposable-tungsten-carbide-blades/: there also information about:

" Compatible to the Austome blade holder adapter only "

in the other webpage for the product (https://www.technochemical.com/polysciences/24234.html) you'll find:

"Compatible to the Austome blade holder adapter. Contact microtome manufacturer for recommendation on other compatible blade holder."

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In combination with a "manual rotary microtome", Series: RAZOR = for Disposable Blades" cf.:

https://micros.at/portfolio/razor-steely/?lang=en

https://micros.at/mikrotomie/?lang=en ('knife-clamping') or even -

https://micros.at/portfolio/razor-e-automatic-rotary-microtome/?lang=en

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https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=microtome+blade+holder

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https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=microtome++knife+blade+holder+adapter&qpvt=microtome++knife+blade+holder+adapter&FORM=IGRE

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https://www.emsdiasum.com/microscopy/products/histology/sectioning.aspx

(QUOTE:) "Microtome Blade Holders

Stainless Steel, Disposable Microtome Blade Holders which fit most microtomes and cryostats. If you are looking for a system that combines the quality cutting characteristics of reusable blades with the convenience and consistency of disposable ones our blade holders are your answer.

Our blade holders are:

Versatile – The holders are designed to readily accommodate blades of differing thickness. Such adaptability allows the histologist maximum flexibility especially when difficult tissues are encountered.

Durable – Because we use the highest quality stainless steel and the most advanced manufacturing processes, these blade holders are less susceptible to nicks and normal wear and tear.

Convenient – Insert, clamp, adjust the angle, and cut. That's all it takes.

Universal – For the first time, the quality and convenience of disposable blades are available for all rotary microtomes and cryostats – Even the popular Miles Tissue Tek(TM) (adapter required).

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Best wishes, W.H.M.

Dear Ilana Shtein ,

For optimized sectioning the clamping of the object and the blade is critical. we, pfm medical ag Germany are exclusive distributor in Europe and Israel for the Feather range of disposable microtome blades. As manufacturer of micortomes we have designed for the blades an optimal clamping system.

please visit our pages as offered in the links below to learn more.

For our rotary microtomes:

https://www.pfmmedical.com/en/productcatalogue/rotary_microtomes/index.html

or https://www.pfmmedical.com/en/productcatalogue/rotary_microtomes/pfm_rotary_3006_em-1/index.html#downloads

for the Feather microtome blades and blade holders:

https://www.pfmmedical.com/en/productcatalogue/disposable_microtome_blades/index.html

and

https://www.pfmmedical.com/en/productcatalogue/microtome_blade_holders/index.html

Thank you in advance for vising our website to gain more information about your request.

pfm medical ag

Ronald Kusters

[email protected]

If they are the Leica disposable tungsten blades, then Leica produce a specfic tugnsten blade holder ;which can be used on the RM paraffin rmicrotome ange and teh CM cryostat range..

Thanks everyone! At last I feel there are experts who know what I'm talking about. Just to be more specific- I have a Shandon ME+ (now they belong to Thermo Fisher) microtome. And buying another holder is apparently not an option anymore, as this is a bit outdated model. I mainly need to understand if I can use disposable tungsten blades as is, or if there are suitable adaptors from any manufacturer. (Thermo Fisher were unable to help me, I spoke to them several times).

Do you have a solid knife base availble? If so you could use a solid tungsten knife. Or just a disposable blade base? I assume it is a low profile blade holder for S35 type blades. you can get other types of Feather disposable blade which are slight harder (N35 for instance) but they are not as tough as the disposable tungsten. Is it un-decalcified bone in resin? What about a glass knife, either the Ralph or the tradtional wedge that is used in EM. Both will section resin and you may be able to get a glass knife holder for the Shandon?

Peter Walker I have only a disposable blade holder for low profile blades. I section plants, usually leaves, so the tissue itself is not very tough. Do you really think I could use hard blades for that? It could solve my problems.

Glass knives require a cutter, which I do not currently have. But it's an interesting thought. Thank you!