Watson Skin Grafting Knife: Stability and Precision in Manual Dermatomes
The Watson Skin Grafting Knife is an essential manual dermatome favored for its “no play” design and smooth operation. By utilizing a fixed rod instead of an oscillating one, this instrument provides unparalleled surgical stability when harvesting thin layers of healthy skin. At Adas Instruments, our manufacturing process ensures that the rod remains perfectly parallel to the blade, allowing for uniform thickness across the entire graft. This high-quality handle is a staple in plastic surgery units for its efficiency and consistent performance.
Technical Engineering and Material Excellence
Constructed from premium-grade German stainless steel, our Watson skin graft knife is passivated and boil tested to ensure maximum longevity and resistance to rust. The 30.5cm (12″) frame is designed with a hollow handle for optimal balance and maneuverability. Every Watson dermatome is ultrasonically cleaned and inspected to meet the most demanding clinical standards. The high-quality satin finish minimizes glare, making it a critical feature for procedures performed under bright operating room lights.
Surgical Application
- Split-Thickness Grafts: Harvesting healthy donor skin with consistent depth.
- Orthopedic Surgery: Facilitating tissue coverage for complex trauma sites with a high-quality instrument.
- Plastic Reconstruction: Serving as a reliable manual dermatome for uniform skin harvesting.

Care and Maintenance Section
To maintain the reliability of this high quality surgical tool, it is important to clean the eccentric bearings and rod mechanism thoroughly after use. We recommend using neutral pH cleaning agents to protect the premium grade finish from damage. These instruments are fully reusable and designed for repeated autoclaving. To ensure safe transport and storage, this instrument is supplied in a wooden box. Adas Instruments proudly ships USA, Europe & worldwide with reliable shipping via DHL/FedEx, providing professional-grade grafting tools to surgeons globally.
People Also Ask
How is the depth of cut adjusted on a Watson Knife?
The depth of cut is adjusted by the rotation of the rod using a single knurled control knob. This ensures the rod remains parallel to the blade at all settings, providing a precision fit during use.
What is the difference between Watson and Humby skin grafting knives?
The primary difference is the rod mechanism. The Humby knife has an oscillating grooved roller for reduced drag, while the Watson knife uses a smooth, fixed rod that provides more rigid stability.
What blades are used in a Watson Skin Grafting Knife?
The Watson knife uses standard 158mm (6.25 inch) stainless steel skin graft blades, which are typically sterile and single-use for maximum sharpness.
Technical Specifications Table
| Instrument Type | Watson Skin Grafting Knife (Dermatome) |
| Application | Plastic Surgery, Orthopedic, Skin Harvesting |
| Overall Length | 30.5 cm (12″) |
| Cutting Width | Maximum 155 mm |
| Adjustable Thickness | 0.1 mm to 1.2 mm |
| Material | German Stainless Steel (Passivated) |
| Mechanism | Fixed Smooth Rod with Single Knob Adjustment |
| Packaging | Supplied in a Wooden Box |
| Sterilization | Reusable / Fully Autoclavable |
Procedural Pairings
Surgical Category: Explore our full range of Scalpels, Knives & Skin Grafting Knives for specialized procedures.
Complementary Tool: Frequently used alongside the Humby Skin Grafting Knife to provide surgeons with multiple harvesting options.
Tissue Handling: Often paired with Adson Forceps for precise manipulation of the skin graft during placement.








