Silver Skin Graft Knife
Also known as: Silver's knife, Silvers skin graft handle, Silver dermatome knife
Small skin graft knife that holds a razor-type blade with a thickness guide, for harvesting small split-thickness grafts.
Reusable hand instrument
About the Silver Skin Graft Knife
The Silver knife is a miniature skin graft knife for taking small split-thickness grafts. Swann-Morton, which makes a version, says the handle was originally developed by H.L. Silver in Toronto, Canada. It holds a dedicated disposable blade; two thumb screws on the handle move a harvesting guide closer to or further from the blade, which sets the graft thickness.
Because it is small, it suits donor or recipient areas that larger graft knives cannot reach easily, such as the ear, the back of the hand or the scalp. The same maker notes that it is used mainly in plastic, reconstructive and oral surgery, and can also be used for wound debridement.
Blades are sold separately, often in multi-packs, so handle and blade compatibility should be checked.
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
- Harvesting small split-thickness skin grafts
- Grafts from areas such as the ear, back of the hand or scalp
- Wound debridement
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
Variations, sizes & configurations
Shapes
- Curved
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 | Silver Skin Graft Knife (Dermatome) (RI-S-1093) | RI-S-1093 | Official site ↗ | |
| Rigor Instruments | Silver Skin Graft Knife Blade (RI-S-1106) | RI-S-1106 | Official site ↗ |
2 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 Silver Skin Graft Knife
What is a Silver Skin Graft Knife used for?
Small skin graft knife that holds a razor-type blade with a thickness guide, for harvesting small split-thickness grafts.
What other names is the Silver Skin Graft Knife known by?
The Silver Skin Graft Knife is also known as Silver's knife, Silvers skin graft handle, Silver dermatome knife.
Which configurations of the Silver Skin Graft Knife are documented?
This guide records these variations, shapes: Curved; jaw, tip or blade: Sharp. See variations, sizes & configurations for the full list.
Where can I find catalogue listings for the Silver Skin Graft Knife?
2 items matching this pattern are listed from manufacturers’ own online catalogues: Rigor Instruments (2). The catalogue table gives each model number and size as published, with a link to the official product page.
Which companies offer the Silver Skin Graft Knife?
Companies whose own catalogues list the Silver Skin Graft Knife include Rigor Instruments. Check the exact pattern and size with the company.
Which instruments are related to the Silver Skin Graft 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 Silver Skin Graft Knife this page records Curved shapes and 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/silver-skin-graft-knife-blade-ri-s-1106/
- rigorinstruments.com/general-surgical-instruments/silver-skin-graft-knife-dermatome-ri-s-1093/
- swann-morton.com/product/130.php
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermatome_(instrument)
- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2772265/
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/00190776360917
Last checked 29 Oct 2026. Information is general reference, not clinical guidance.
Suggest a correction if any detail on this page is wrong.
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