Fact: Diamond knife edges do not "dull" like your steak knives at home - the  diamond is the world's hardest substance and "dulling" is not one of its properties!  Diamond knives fail to cut properly because the edges of the blade have become chipped and begin to "drag" or "resist" when incisions are made, making it feel like it's "dull".

 

Myth #2: "Repairing a diamond knife blade usually means it needs to be replaced at a great expense"

 

Fact: If your blade has broken off - yes, this is the case, but most blades need repair because small chips have occurred from improper handling - including your surgeon nicking it by using it too close to their instruments!! (Good luck dealing with that issue!)  So, it's occasionally true that a blade has to be reduced to a smaller-than-acceptable size, and replacement would be recommended, but this is uncommon and most blades can be rehoned and not affect the diamond knife's performance.

 

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Myth #3: "Diamond knives that are properly cared for never need repair or maintenance"

 

Fact:  Proper and careful cleaning and sterilization can prevent your blades from chipping however, ALL diamond blades are secured in their base with adhesive, which, after repeated sterilizations will eventually break down and potentially cause your blade to become loose and possibly fall out.  Ambler Surgical recommends that knives be inspected every six months or so, depending on their usage, to ensure the integrity of the adhesive.

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Myth #4: "Old diamond knives are obsolete and worthless"

 

Fact:  Many older "Radial Keratotomy" (RK) knives can be converted to useful "Astigmatic Keratotomy" (AK) or "Limbal Relaxing Incision" (LRI) Knives!  Also, most phaco incision blades are required to be smaller these days, so it's probable that your diamond blades can be re-honed to precise widths and sizes for today's smaller incisions. This can often be done at a fraction of the cost of a new knife! 

 

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Myth #5: "The cheaper diamond knives coming from Russia and the Middle East are the best deals"

 

Fact:  Many times the way these inferior-quality diamond blades are "cut" makes it nearly impossible to re-hone the blade, so every time your knife needs repair, the only option is to replace the blade, instead of having it repaired. Since the major cost to manufacture a diamond knife is always the blade (not the handle), you'll be faced with buying a new knife every time it requires repair!