A simple modification to the LKB 7800 series Knifemaker and a balanced-break method to prepare glass knives for cryosectioning

A novel method of using the LKB 7800 series Knifemaker to produce glass knives using a balanced break is described. The method produces knives of sufficient quality to section aldehyde-fixed, sucrose-cryoprotected, frozen biological material in a cooled cryochamber of an ultramicrotome. The modifications to the Knifemaker are minimal and, if required, the machine can be returned easily to its normal state after use.