A microtome knife guard.

The base sledge microtome presents a hazard to the operator due to the length of blade that is exposed. Manipulation of the carriage requires hand movements close to the knife edge and serious lacerations may result. A simple, effective guard has been devised, suitable for knives which have screw holes for handles at both ends. It consists of two perspex end-pieces (Fig. I), attached to the knife ends by screws, and linked by a metal bar (Fig. lb). The bar guards the whole length of the knife, with minimal interference to adjusting its position in the clamps. In addition the knife edge is protected from accidental damage should the tissue chuck be raised too high. When suitably aligned, the guard acts as a 'level finder' for the top of the tissue block.