Liston Amputation Knife
Also known as: Liston knife, Liston-type amputation knife
Long, straight, pointed amputation knife of the 19th century, named after the Scottish surgeon Robert Liston.
Reusable hand instrument
About the Liston Amputation Knife
The Liston knife is a long-bladed knife made for surgical amputation. It is named after Robert Liston, a Scottish surgeon known for his skill and speed in the era before anaesthesia, when a quick operation meant less pain and better odds of survival.
The Science Museum describes Liston-type knives as straight, pointed knives with one fully sharpened edge and a short second edge that could serve as an interosseous knife (for cutting between bones). Some makers gave them textured handles for grip, a feature Liston himself reportedly thought unnecessary.
Amputation knives changed a great deal in the mid-19th century. Earlier blades often curved downward; by about 1870 they had become straighter and closer to the European "Liston" style. Historians suggest the name reflects the job the knife did as much as any design of Liston's own.
Product reference: Rigor Instruments — official product page. The listed company is shown as a source; check the catalogue for its role as manufacturer or supplier.
Common uses
- Limb amputation
- Cutting soft tissue down to bone during amputation
Variations, sizes & configurations
Jaw, tip & blade configurations
- Sharp
Specifications vary by manufacturer. Confirm exact dimensions and patterns in the manufacturer’s catalogue.
Catalogue listings from manufacturers
| Brand | Catalogue item | Model no. | Size / length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigor Instruments | Liston Amputation Knife (RI-S-1068) | RI-S-1068 | Official site ↗ |
1 items listed in manufacturers’ own online catalogues, with sizes and model numbers as published. Check the exact item on the manufacturer’s page before ordering.
Companies offering this instrument
Rigor Instruments
Sialkot, Pakistan
Sialkot surgical instrument manufacturer with its own factory, offering spine, laparoscopy and obstetrics instruments and custom orders.
Shown only where the company’s own catalogue or website lists this instrument.
Further reading
- How to Read a Surgical Instrument CataloguePatterns, lengths, tips, locks, materials and finishes: the catalogue terms buyers need to compare instrument offers like for…
- Stainless Steel Grades and Finishes for Surgical InstrumentsMartensitic vs austenitic steel, ISO 7153-1 and ASTM F899, tungsten carbide inserts, titanium, and satin vs mirror finishes…
- How Surgical Instruments Are Made: From Forging to PassivationA step-by-step look at how reusable surgical instruments are made: steel choice, forging, machining, heat treatment, grinding, polishing…
Questions about the Liston Amputation Knife
What is a Liston Amputation Knife used for?
Long, straight, pointed amputation knife of the 19th century, named after the Scottish surgeon Robert Liston.
What other names is the Liston Amputation Knife known by?
The Liston Amputation Knife is also known as Liston knife, Liston-type amputation knife.
Which configurations of the Liston Amputation Knife are documented?
This guide records these variations, jaw, tip or blade: Sharp. See variations, sizes & configurations for the full list.
Where can I find catalogue listings for the Liston Amputation Knife?
1 item matching this pattern is listed from manufacturers’ own online catalogues: Rigor Instruments (1). The catalogue table gives each model number and size as published, with a link to the official product page.
Which companies offer the Liston Amputation Knife?
Companies whose own catalogues list the Liston Amputation Knife include Rigor Instruments. Check the exact pattern and size with the company.
Which instruments are related to the Liston Amputation Knife?
Other knives & scalpel handles in this directory include Abraham Tonsil Knife, Beaver Scalpel Handle, Catlin Amputation Knife and Esmarch Plaster Knife. See all knives & scalpel handles.
What should I check when sourcing scalpel handles and knives?
- Pattern and size: compare the handle number or size and the blade sizes it takes with the supplier’s catalogue drawing or a sample. For the Liston Amputation Knife this page records Sharp tips.
- Material: confirm the exact steel grade or alloy in the supplier’s documentation, such as the material specification or certificate.
- Finish and any coating, as stated by the supplier.
- Regulatory marking or registration required in your target market (see medical device certifications).
- Reprocessing: the cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation instructions in the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU).
Sources
- rigorinstruments.com/general-surgical-instruments/liston-amputation-knife-ri-s-1068/
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liston_knife
- collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co165242/set-of-four-liston-type-amputation-knives-london-england-1860-1926-amputation-knife
Last checked 29 Oct 2026. Information is general reference, not clinical guidance.
Suggest a correction if any detail on this page is wrong.
Related instruments
Abraham Tonsil Knife
Tonsil knife pattern with a small blade on a long slender shaft, used in tonsil surgery.
Beaver Scalpel Handle
Slim, usually round knurled handle with a chuck or collet that holds Beaver-type mini blades for fine incisions.
Catlin Amputation Knife
Long, double-edged amputation knife (catlin or catling), historically used to cut the tissue between the bones of the forearm or leg.
Esmarch Plaster Knife
Hand-held knife with a short curved blade, used to cut through and trim plaster when a cast is opened or removed.