As a pedicurist, you want to be able to work with precision, maintain control during your treatments, and rely on tools that do what they’re supposed to do. But with so many different blades, sizes, and styles available, it can be quite difficult to determine which Swann Morton blades are the best fit for you.
Are you going with number 10, 11, or 15? And what exactly is the difference between the red and blue packaging? In this blog, we’ll explain the difference!
Why Choose Swann Morton?
Swann Morton is a British manufacturer of professional surgical scalpel blades and scalpel holders. The brand has many years of experience in developing high-quality scalpel products and supplies professionals worldwide.
Swann Morton (pedicure) blades are specially designed for precise cutting and are available in various shapes and sizes. This makes it easy to choose the blade that best suits your treatment and working style. The blades are made of carbon steel in accordance with BS EN 27740 and BS 2982, ensuring consistent, high-quality performance.
In addition, the blades are available in both sterile and non-sterile versions. The sterile blades are individually packaged and ready for hygienic use. Whether you’ve been working as a pedicurist for years or are just starting out, with Swann Morton you’re choosing professional blades that help you work with precision and control.
Red or blue: what’s the difference?
The first thing you’ll notice about Swann Morton is the color of the packaging.
- Red Swann Morton blades: sterile
The red Swann Morton blades are sterile. The blades are individually packaged and sterilized. Swann Morton sterilizes the sterile blades using gamma radiation. Do you want to work with a sterile blade? Then choose the red line. - Blue Swann Morton blades: non-sterile
The blue Swann Morton bladesare non-sterile. They are also made of carbon steel, but are not supplied in a sterile condition.
So the main difference between red and blue is sterility. The shape and number of the blade then determine which type of blade you have.
Which Swann Morton blade do you need?
The different numbers represent different blade shapes and sizes. For example, one blade has a rounded cutting edge, while another has a sharp point. At Ginkel’s Cosmetics, we carry the most commonly used Swann Morton models in our product line. Below, you’ll find the key differences and examples of procedures for which you can use these (pedicure) blades.
- No. 10 | Curved and versatile
The Swann Morton blade No. 10 has a curved cutting edge and is a versatile blade. Its shape allows you to work with precision and control. Suitable for: tasks requiring a curved cutting edge, such as removing calluses and precisely shaping the skin. - No. 11 | Sharp and precise
The Swann Morton blade No. 11 has a narrow, triangular shape with a sharp point. This allows you to work with great precision on a small surface. Suitable for: highly precise work, for example, when you need to work precisely in a small or hard-to-reach spot. - No. 15 | Small and curved
The Swann Morton blade No. 15 is a compact blade with a small, curved cutting edge. Its smaller size gives you great control while working. Suitable for: fine and precise work on smaller areas, such as trimming calluses in tight spaces. - No. 20 | Large and curved
The Swann Morton blade No. 20 is a larger blade with a curved cutting edge. It has the same basic shape as No. 10, but is larger. Suitable for: tasks where you prefer to work with a larger blade surface, such as removing calluses from larger areas. - No. 21 | Large and curved
The Swann Morton blade No. 21 also has a curved cutting edge and is slightly larger than No. 20. The larger size can be convenient when you want to work with a larger cutting surface. Suitable for: treating larger areas where you prefer to use a larger blade.
Which scalpel holder do you need?
The number on the scalpel holder does not match the number on the blade. The blades are divided into two series:
- Scalpel Holder No. 3
Suitable for smaller blades such as Nos. 10, 11, and 15. - Scalpel Holder No. 4
Suitable for larger blades, such as Nos. 20 and 21.
Working Safely with Swann Morton Blades
A sharp blade requires careful and safe handling. By keeping a few simple precautions in mind, you can keep your workspace safe and work comfortably during every treatment.
- Always use the correct scalpel holder. Before you begin, check to make sure the blade fits the holder. Blades #10, 11, and 15 are used with holder #3. For blades #20 and 21, you’ll need holder #4.
- Never hold a blade by the cutting edge. Use the packaging provided for this purpose or a suitable tool when inserting and removing the blade. Work carefully and avoid unnecessary movements.
- Dispose of used razor blades safely and immediately. Never leave a used razor blade lying loose on your countertop. Use a blade containerto safely collect sharp blades.
- Use each blade according to your practice protocol. For both sterile and non-sterile blades, follow the hygiene and safety guidelines in effect at your practice. Also, store unused blades in a dry and safe place.
- Check the blade before use. Do not use a blade if the packaging is damaged or if the blade shows signs of damage. For sterile blades, undamaged packaging is important to maintain sterility.
This way, you not only ensure precision in your work, but also a safe work environment for yourself and your client.
The right blade at your fingertips
From No. 10 to No. 21 and from sterile to non-sterile: at Ginkel’s, you’ll find a variety of Swann Morton blades for professional use. Browse our selection and find your ideal blade.
