Forskningsmesser

Forskningsmesser, literally "research knives" in Norwegian, is a descriptive term used to refer to cutting instruments deployed in scientific work for preparing samples, dissecting specimens, or manipulating materials without adding contamination or causing damage. The term is not a formal, universal category but encompasses a range of blades and knives used in laboratories, fieldwork, and museums. Common examples include scalpel knives with various blade shapes, precision knives designed for fine dissection, microtomes used to slice tissue into ultra-thin sections for microscopy, and cryo-knives or cryo-microtomes for frozen specimens.

In biology and histology, a sharp scalpel or dissecting knife is used to separate tissues; in materials science, knives for preparing polished samples or cutting composite materials; in paleontology, small knives for careful preparation of fossils; in archaeology, for removing matrix around artifacts.

Materials and maintenance: Forskningsmesser are made from stainless steel, high-carbon steel, ceramic, or coated blades. They may be disposable or autoclavable. Cleaning and sterilization protocols are essential to prevent cross-contamination. Handling requires protective equipment.

Safety and standards: Proper storage in blade cases; disposal of single-use blades in sharps containers; adherence to institutional guidelines for handling biological samples or hazardous materials. The adoption of standardized terminology varies by institution and discipline.

Because it is a descriptive term rather than a single product line, its exact meaning depends on context.