Blair-Brown skin graft knife (a) and shield (b) consists of one piece metal knife with 18.0 cm long by 1.5 cm wide non-removable razor steel blade with rounded metal top; handle has smooth teardrop shape with faceted edges; chrome plated; perforated metal shaped shield protects blade during steriliā¦
Blair-Brown skin graft knife (a) and shield (b) consists of one piece metal knife with 18.0 cm long by 1.5 cm wide non-removable razor steel blade with rounded metal top; handle has smooth teardrop shape with faceted edges; chrome plated; perforated metal shaped shield protects blade during sterilizing; missing metal tube for back of knife for honing blade.
Number Of Parts
2
Part Names
a - knife
b - shield
Provenance
Donor purchased from antique dealer.
Dates
1950
1960
circa 1950-1960
Material
metal: silver
Inscriptions
On handle: "DOWN BROS //; LONDON"; on blade top: "VI"
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-E5-6
Length
a - 29.5 cm
b - 20.4 cm
Width
a - 2.8 cm
b - 3.3 cm
Depth
a - 1.3 cm
b - 1.4 cm
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Condition Remarks
Finish on handle is worn to the brass base at join to blade; blade shows discolouration; handle shows wear all over
Copy Type
original
Reference Types
Internet
Book
Reference Comments
"Evolution of instruments for harvest of the skin grafts" Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery 46 (1):28-35 · March 2013; "A Comprehensive Guide to Purchasing: Hospital-Professional Instruments-Equipment-Supplies," V. Mueller Co., 1956, p.131
Research Facts
Vilray Papin Blair in 1930 had developed a skin graft knife that came into general use and the grafts were removed with the aid of a suction apparatus that permitted placing the skin under tension. Plastic surgeons became experienced at removing grafts freehand and at controlling the depth by varying the angle of the knife in relation to the skin. Large grafts representing a major portion of the inner aspect of the thigh were removed freehand with great skill by these experts.