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Retractaway from Swann-Morton

‘Retractaway’ Retractable Blade Knife
Swann-Morton
Item # 2801
Available from Scalpels and Blades for £3.60

If you’ve ever fancied trading in an inferior craft knife for a Swann-Morton scalpel, but found the prospect of a large blade on full view, a little, er… frightening, then consider this item. The Retractaway isn’t a new product, but it is one which I’ve used for several years and can’t recommend highly enough.

With the regular No.3 handle, you’ve got to be pretty careful where you put that knife at the end of a modelling session, plus that particular handle can look a little intimidating. Swann-Morton, with this product, have given us the perfect solution to this by creating a handle into which you can retract that blade when not in use.

The all metal (aluminium) handle is a sealed unit by which you depress the button on the side, and slide it either up or down in order to deploy or retract the blade. The idea is hardly new, but this product is both slim-line and feels ‘right’ in the hand; not at all awkward. The handle is finished in a metallic grey paint, and the retraction mechanism is very smooth.

I have used the regular No.3 handle for 30 years, and the transition to this was very, very easy.

To fit the blade, you must deploy the handle and carefully place the blade onto the stem by sliding it on until it clicks into place. I’m used to this procedure, but you might want to use a pair of pliers to do this to minimise the risk of injury.

Supplied in a blister pack, this product comes with some drawn instructions on the reverse, and a two size 10a blades.

So what do we think?
This is now a tool I simply can’t work without and is the workhorse of my hobby. For the low price and quality, you really can’t go wrong. Very highly recommended.

Overall: 10/10

Our sincere thanks to Swann-Morton for the review sample used here. To purchase this item directly, click THIS link.

JH