The best and fastest way to sharpen scalpels or any knife is with the paper wheel sharpening system. It cost about $25.00, your also going to need a grinder, but it is worth every penny. I can sharpen a scalpel faster then I can change the blade. I can get a "REAL" razor sharp edge on any of my knives in less than 15 seconds! It is a real time saver and I no longer go through the frustration of a semi sharp edge (not good enough, more wasted time). I have never seen a electric knife sharpener that works as well or even comes close to the paper wheel. If you get one you won't be sorry.
I hope this helps, Bill K.
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Bill is correct about scalpels. It takes less than one minute to put a surgical edge back on and saves a few pennies each time.
Use of the wheel system does have a disadvantage in that it will grind away a little of any blade each time it is applied to the sharpener. Additionally, some heat is absorbed by the blade causing it to be weakened interstitially reducing the Rockwell hardness coefficient.
Use it but be aware of the downside.
Rusty
You two don't have enough work and/or you don't have quick change scalpels. If I take over 5 seconds to change a blade, it's because I'm playing with the shop TV remote at the same time. I KNOW it would take me longer than that to WALK to my workbench for this handy dandy grinder and $25 paper wheel. But thanx for helping guys like Christoforo out. He's still using his first blade 45 years later. LOL
logic would tell ya that any heat generated would diminish your Rockwell hardness. I am extremely limited in my knowledge on the subject (and logic) but I haven't really noticed any loss of temper and I am still using the same knives for the last seven years or so. I was told by a "knife guy" that this particular apparatus didn't generate enough heat to "cross that line" but then again I haven't researched the subject much. I've just been so F^%#%# thrilled that I can sharpen a knife to the point where I can shave with it in a matter of seconds that nothing else mattered to me. But now that you brought it up.... does ANY heat effect the temper or do you have to reach a certain point? The "knife guy" told me a good rule of thumb was if you could still touch it without getting burnt you were OK. But I would love to hear a second opinion. And yes George, I too am on my first scalpel blade and I am never going to buy another one, EVER (and you thought you were cheap). LOL!
When used the wax stick lubs the wheel and prevent the heat. You still cant get that super sharp edge but for the many that are watching, (sqeek, sqeek, sqeek) yes it can save yo a lot of money, I use the wheels for sharpening the big skinning knife , but prefer freash sharp blades for the detail work.