not too OT:sore hands

I have arthritis in my hands, too. I found a never-been-used parafin bath (Revlon brand) at the thrift about two months ago for $10. It even had all the parafin with it. I've used it about 4 times since then and it is sooooo wonderful. The warm up is only about 20 minutes. Big plus is very soft hands, too - i put lotion on before dunking my hands in the parafin.

I will try this method, though. Would be great for those times I'm not at home!

-Irene

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

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Using a naked razor blade for anything is not only painful, it invites nasty accidents! Can you not use a scalpel to do this work? Several different handles and blades are available - I get mine from a hobby shop, and use them in scale modelling (aka building Airfix kits).

Your local hardware store can sell you a handle for the razor blade.

Joy Beeson

I use the "naked" single edge razor blade at times also.. I have x-acto type knives here, but you do not get the same control with them at all.

I do not cut myself using a razor blade, but then I have been doing this for only a few decades... .. It is an old fashioned concept, refered to as: using reasonable care when using tools. Most any tool can be dangerous, if not used carefully.

me

I read the OP and immediately thought exactly the same. I have three Swann-Morton handles, and use them with different blade shapes. Wouldn't be without them.

You do surprise me saying that, although you mention x-acto. Those tend to have a cylindrical or tubular body and I can accept they may not 'feel' as precise as a scalpel. Certainly I find the Swann-Morton scalpels, which are flat, comfortable to hold and feel extremely precise when I'm using them. Cutting the eye holes or mouth in the head of a ceramic doll when it's been soft-fired calls for extreme accuracy!

I do much prefer the brass handled scalpels with replaceable blades, rather than plastic bodied disposable style. SM do a range of differently shaped non-sterile blades for craft use - I guess at a lower price.

Let me just stop running with my scissors for a minute so I can reply... LOL

What I use are single blade razor blades. They are meant to be held on the other side. I've seen handles for them that look like the old fashioned straight razors. Just haven't gotten one.

I **do** have a scalpel and I love it. But since the blades for it are over $2 each, and a box of 100 razor blades is $5, I save the scalpel for really delicate things. Like opening up a teeny seam on a wedding dress with lace overlay. That sort of thing. When I need to open out the elastic waistband on something that needs new elastic, I use a razor blade. (what I was doing the other day.) I got my scalpel from

I have the "ultra Pro seam ripper." And, good news, the blades have come down to $8,95 for 6. I know I paid more than that the last time I ordered blades. Still not as cheap as the razor blades, but...

And I am extremely careful. Never cut myself yet. :)

Sharon

What I failed to say in the first reply was this: Thank you for your concern over my safety. That is very much appreciated. :)

Sharon