Just to elucidate on PvR's clamp, the classic technique is the use of
the pith from? It is sliced lengthwise and the material inserted into
it. An available substitute that should work on lichen thalli is a piece
of carrot. The little carrots sold in bags ought to work nicely.

Gene

P van Rijckevorsel wrote:

Nitrobacter schreef


Hey everyone. I'm working on a project about lichen symbiosis, and I'm
trying to prepare slides of the lichen thallus for investigation.
Unfortunately, I can't get the slices thin enough to view properly. I
need slices a few cells thick, nearly transparent. I'm using one of
those flimsy steel razor blades, and it seems to be doing alright.

Does anyone know any strategies for making really thin slices of a
specimen? Thanks a bunch!

-Nitrobacter



+ + +
I am sure a Google search will turn up lots of techniques for this.
Basically:
1) a knife must be very sharp.
2) the material must be as soft as possible
3) In cutting, free movement of knife and material is to be restricted.
Don't use a flimsy razor blade, you 'd be better off with a snap-off knife.
Use (hot) water to soften the material. Clamp the material if necessary.
Cut, don't push.
PvR