Cattle Boss folding scalpel handle #4

Details

A number 4 handle that folds. It takes the large blade range, 20, 21, 22 and 24, so it is the pocket-carry version of the handle most livestock work actually needs, and it shuts with the blade inside the body rather than riding exposed. If you are only buying one folding handle, this is usually the one, because the big blades are what get used on hide and thick tissue. It goes in the coverall pocket and comes out where the work is, which means the difference between dealing with an abscess when you find it and going back to the shop for the tray. The pivot is the part to look after. Dry it, put a drop of oil in the joint, and accept that a folding handle has more places to trap muck than a solid one. If you want something to run through an autoclave between animals, keep a fixed number 4 in the kit for that and use this one for carry. Mount and strip blades with pliers or a needle driver, never with bare fingers, and always pull the blade away from your hand. Fold it shut before it goes back in your pocket, and put used blades in a sharps container. Proper restraint and knowing when to hand the job to your veterinarian both matter more than which handle you own.