John Weiss Diamond Knives have the finest surgical cutting edge currently available; however, they are also extremely delicate and should be handled with great care. Never touch the cutting edge, as it is extremely sharp.Normal use does not cause any deterioration of the cutting edge. Only poor handling, resulting in damage, will cause the blade to lose its sharpness.
John Weiss recommends that the knife be kept in the Diamond Knife Sterilisation Tray provided at all times. Only expose the cutting edge immediately prior to use, and retract immediately afterwards to prevent contact with other instruments on the tray. Do not let the diamond touch other instruments or any hard objects. Always keep the diamond cutting edge retracted in the handle when not in use and during sterilisation.
Blade damage often occurs during cleaning. Never clean Diamond Knives ultrasonically as the vibration and particles present in the bath will damage the knife. The Diamond Knife should be cleaned with a John Weiss Sterile Diamond Knife Cleaning Block as soon as possible after the procedure as dry residual material is difficult to remove. Moistening one end of the block with demineralised/sterile water and gently stabbing the blade vertically into the moistened portion several times cleans the diamond. Gently stabbing the blade vertically into the dry portion of the block several times polishes the diamond.
Never clean the diamond by wiping with a surgical swab or wipe, as the diamond may break away from the handle. A John Weiss Sterile Instrument Wipe moistened in demineralised/sterile water can be used to clean the handle. Never exert any sideways pressure on the blade as this can cause it to snap off completely. The knife can be sterilised by all normal methods, except hot air sterilisation.
