How to Sharpen a Scalpel

Scalpels can be instrumental in a variety of professions and hobbies. Surgeons use them to slice the delicate tissues of the body, while hobbyists use them to carve, etch, or dissect things. Artists use scalpels in their models and in various craft projects. Scalpels have many different uses, but because they are put to work on many materials, the blades will dull over time. Due to their smaller nature, they may seem to be a bit more difficult to sharpen when they dull than other blades, but this is not necessarily the case. Here is how to easily sharpen your dulling or possibly chipped scalpel.

Things You'll Need

• Scalpel
• Sharpening stone
• Lubrication
• Leather strop
• Vice

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Instructions

• 1

  Put the sharpening stone in a secured position. To make sure that the sharpening stone that you will be using will not move or slip, make sure it is firmly secured. To do this you can place the stone in the grip of a vice.

• 2

  Lubricate the sharpening stone. Each sharpening stone may do best with a different type of lubrication. Apply a small amount of water, oil or specific sharpening gel to the surface of the stone.

• 3

  Hold the scalpel on the stone with the sharper edge facing upward. Apply force to the scalpel as you grate the blade's edge against the sharpening stone. It is best to try to keep the edge against the stone at a 45-degree angle. Move so that the blade is sent in a forward motion, then pick it up and resume another stroke; do not rub the edge backward.

• 4

  Scrape edge on leather strop. Use the same motion you used on the sharpening stone. Keep the sharp end of the blade upward and work in a forward pushing motion. Continue until the blade is as you like it.