1/2 Sanders Periodontal Knife

The 1/2 Sanders Periodontal Knife (Article# LS1-318) is a double-ended gingivectomy instrument with two pointed, thin-profile blades — the thinnest and most acutely tapered design class among periodontal knives. Each working end carries sharp cutting edges along both lateral blade margins, converging at a fine pointed tip that severs buccolingually through interproximal tissue after the initial gingivectomy incision. The round ringed knurled handle is machined from surgical-grade stainless steel measuring 165 mm (6.5 inches) overall, providing stable three-finger control during short push and pull incision strokes.

The thin pointed blade profile on the KS1/26 Periodontal Knife class makes it the follow-up instrument to the Kirkland knife — used after the initial bevel incision has been completed, specifically to sever interproximal tissue buccolingually through the col area. Both lateral cutting edges remain active simultaneously, allowing the blade to cut on entry and exit without repositioning the working tip. The passivated stainless-steel body withstands autoclave sterilization at 134°C without blade deformation or edge degradation across repeated clinical cycles.

Periodontists use the 1/2 Sanders Periodontal Knife during gingivectomy and gingivoplasty procedures as a secondary incision instrument, activating it after the initial bevel incision to free the interproximal tissue tag completely from the underlying bone. The Periodontal Knife Sanders #1/2 works with short buccolingual push strokes through open embrasure spaces, cleanly severing the col tissue and releasing the excised gingival segment before tissue removal with surgical forceps.

Every instrument that carries the Leader Surgical name goes through the same manufacturing standard, no shortcuts, no variation, and no compromise on what gets handed to a surgeon.

Is it a single-use or reusable instrument?
Most high-quality versions, such as those from Henry Schein or GerDentUSA, are reusable and made of stainless steel intended for repeated sterilization.