Randy, I have picked up some # 11 blades at the local hospital supply room.  They are sharper, but thinner. You have to be careful when using them as they will bend or flex. They seem to stay sharper longer also...
       Hope that this helps........

Well, for really important cutting, I have gone to #3 and #4 scalpel handles with the #11 scalpel blades (#3 handle) and I believe it is "rib back" #25 for the #4 handle.  If the wood you are cutting is too hard for that "rib back" in the #4 blade, you need to build a house with it, not a model...................

Getting boxes of 100 #11 blades for the scalpels is the cheapest thing going, and they are BY FAR the sharpest things next to the old double edge razor blades.

BTW: I DO have about 500 new #11 "x-acto" brand blades that I use for rough work, and repairs.

where does one find the scalpel blades and handles?
maybe I should go in for some elective surgery and cipe some off the table huh?

Two years ago I ran out of blades and went on the same hunt.  The 100 count bulk pack that I used to get at the office supply stores was no longer stocked.  Tower had the real deal which were expensive, they actually had two different listings for the X-acto brand blades.  They also had all the other brands.  I ended up buying the X-acto's because that was what I'd used in the past, expecting a known quantity.  When they got here they weren't in the small box that they used to be, but more of a throw away blister pack.  Also the blades are blue now?  No idea why.  Also they seem to be very low quality.  I blow through them like nothing cause they don't stay sharp long.  Maybe I should have ordered the other stock number? 

  Randy, I have picked up some # 11 blades at the local hospital supply room.  They are sharper, but thinner. You have to be careful when using them as they will bend or flex. They seem to stay sharper longer also...
       Hope that this helps........

The "Hospital #blades come in two versions.
The EXPENSIVE STERILE BLADE! and then the less expensive  (Non-sterile Blade) by Bard Parker B-P that I bought from
BectonDickinson AcuteCare (made in USA)
Franklin Lakes NJ Lakes NJ 07417

The UP side is that they are reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaallly sharp! Have a very teenie tip for really accurate cutting that visually is far and away better than the normal hobby version.

The Down side is when you try to use them in a regular EXacto handle...they will insert but become very brittle and dangerous and can become a  lethal XXX flying-object unless you purchase the handle at the same time. (The small handle takes some getting used to and changing the blades requires some force..but changes very quickly and securely.)
(If you use these hospital blades in your round Exacto handle. I quickly "snip off the top upper part of the blade itself...which then becomes a really nice flexible way to cut rounds and corners etc.
For the most part...in general construction...the EXACTO blade and its china generic'al #11s are perhaps the cheapest and best way to go when using on balsa...and other model construction parts.
HOWEVER FOR CUTTING BEAUTIFUL FRISKET MASKS WITH CURVES AND CLOSE PRECISION CUTTING....
I COULD NEVER WORK WITHOUT THESE BEAUTIFUL BLADES....ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUR MODEL REACHES THE FINISHING DETAIL STAGES!!
(Here is an attached quick scan to show you these blades and handle.

BOTTOM LINE! KEEP USING THE REG. EXACTO BLADES FOR MOST OF THE "GRUNT MODEL STUFF" UNLESS YOU GOTSSSSLOTS OF $$$$

check out the net. on prices..etc.
Interesting websites: www.incisiontech.com
                              www.outpatientsurgery.net

Hi Shultzie,

The "non-sterile" Rib-Back blades in #11, and for heavier balsa cutting, the #25 are the cat's meow!

Here is a shot of the "modified Parker blade snip job" and the larger handle for the heavier cutting. (From years of habit using the round #11 holder..I find myself often "whittlin" my finger using the Larger #4 handle for the #25 (with that protruding curved cutting blade area that runs deep up into the handle?) (especially when in "a hurry!!) OUCH!

Shultzie,

I ordered a box of a hundred surgical blades. The deal comes with two handles. I've used them before and haven't liked the feel, but it's just from being used to X-Acto handles. I also ordered up a box of a 100 #11 X-Acto.

Yeh...
I don't care for the "feel" either...nuttin beat a round handle for control... also on stiffer materials...I often end up with sore fin-aagaaaas, due to the pressure points of the thin handles.

Still my favorite all around #11 handle is this one...that was given to me by another Boeing Artist...
Rubba-dubba-dooo soft cover and a nice blade release button...works great with the "clipped #11's (Only identification on the handle is a big X and the Word X-Acto?
Any idea where these might still be available? 

I checked ebay and there is a supplier selling #11 surgical blades for $16, including the shipping. Anyone use these? The Brad Parker blades cost lots more.

I wait until I can get them for $10 or less per 100.   They always come up quickly at that price, it seems.  There are a whole lot more people selling scalpel blades on ebay than I ever imagined!