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