Razor

Quick Answer: The laboratory razor is a sharp, straight-edged cutting blade used to cut thin free-hand sections of plant material, such as stems, roots and leaves, for staining and viewing under a microscope.

Cutting Free-Hand Sections with a Laboratory Razor

A free-hand section is a slice thin enough for light to pass through, cut without a machine. The laboratory razor makes this possible in an ordinary school or college botany lab. The specimen, such as a piece of sunflower stem or maize root, is held upright between thumb and forefinger or packed in a pith or potato support, and the razor is drawn across its top in a single slicing stroke.

Both the edge and the specimen are kept wet so that sections slide off the blade instead of sticking and folding. Students cut many sections quickly, float them in a watch glass of water, and then choose the thinnest and most complete ones for staining with safranin or another stain.

Razors used for sectioning are often ground flat on one side so that the blade can ride on the top of a hand microtome, which raises the specimen by small steps for more even sections. The listing does not state the blade grind or whether the razor folds into a handle, so confirm these if you intend to use it with a microtome.

Specifications

Applications

• Transverse sections of dicot and monocot stems to compare the arrangement of vascular bundles
• Sections of roots to show the endodermis, pericycle and xylem pattern
• Leaf sections supported in potato or carrot to show the palisade and spongy layers
• Supplying sections for double-staining practicals in college botany

Care & Handling

• Wipe the razor dry after every session and store it closed or in its case; a damp edge rusts and dulls within days.
• Hone the edge on a fine stone and strop it as needed; a dull razor crushes cells instead of slicing them.
• Cut away from the fingers holding the specimen and never test the edge with a thumb.
• Keep razors in the teacher’s cabinet between practicals rather than in open student kits.

Why Choose LabEquip

Botany teachers and college practical in-charges buy razors in sets for section-cutting classes. The section lifter from the same Biology Lab Products range moves each section from water to stain to slide without damaging it. Send the number of student places through the LabEquip contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thin should a free-hand section be?

Thin enough that light passes through it and cells can be seen one layer deep. Beginners rarely manage this on every stroke, so cut several sections, float them in water and choose the thinnest.

Why must the razor and specimen be kept wet?

Water reduces friction, so the section slides off the edge flat. A dry razor drags, tears the tissue and makes sections curl or stick to the blade.

What is pith used for in section cutting?

Soft specimens such as leaves are held between two pieces of pith, potato or carrot. The support keeps the leaf upright and firm, so the razor cuts across it cleanly.

Can the razor be used with a hand microtome?

Yes, if the blade can rest flat on the microtome’s cutting table. The microtome raises the specimen in small steps, giving sections of more even thickness than free-hand cutting.

How do I keep the razor sharp?

Hone it occasionally on a fine sharpening stone and strop it on leather before use. Avoid cutting hard or gritty material, which nicks the edge.

Is a laboratory razor safe for school students?

It is suitable for senior students under supervision. Teach them to hold the specimen below the level of the cut, draw the blade away from their fingers, and hand the razor over closed or handle first.

Last Updated: September 2026