Compo Knife Composite Instrument

Which Compo Knife Do You Need?

Choose by the tooth surface you are cleaning; both knives in this collection are linked below by their Zepf numbers.

Attin Compo Knives

Key Features

• ZEPF NANOPAL coating and bIONIK handle: Both knives (24.710.01OX and 24.710.02OX) have the NANOPAL coating and a bIONIK handle, per their product data.
• Surface-specific blade geometry: #1 is shaped for buccal and lingual surfaces, #2 for mesial and distal surfaces.
• Ergonomic handle: Balanced weight distribution reduces hand fatigue during extended restorative sessions.
• Durable construction: Manufactured to withstand repeated autoclave sterilization cycles without compromising edge integrity or surface quality.
• Versatile application: Suitable for cleaning composite residues from both anterior and posterior restorations.

Clinical Use

The Attin Compo Knives are used after a composite restoration has been placed and cured, to remove residues of composite from the tooth surfaces: #1 on buccal and lingual surfaces, #2 on mesial and distal surfaces. They are not placement instruments; for placing and shaping composite see the spatula, plugger and condenser collections.

Sterilization & Maintenance

The Compo Knife Composite Instrument is fully autoclavable and compatible with standard sterilization pouches and cassette systems. Routine inspection of the working tips after each sterilization cycle is recommended to maintain optimal clinical performance.

For the full cleaning, disinfection and sterilization workflow, see our Dental Instrument Reprocessing & Sterilization Guide for Helmut Zepf hand instruments.

Compare With

Related Helmut Zepf collections: Spatula Shaped Dental Composite Instruments, Heidemann Spatula Composite Instrument, Composite Finishing Burs by Busch, and Dental Composite Instrument Sets. For patterns and terminology, see the Restorative Instrument Comparison Chart, the Restorative Instrument Glossary and the Dental Composite Instrument Shapes Guide.

Further reading: 2026 Guide to Dental Composite Instruments: Choosing the Right Tools for Placement

Part of the Composite & Direct Restoration hub.

FAQ

Is this instrument suitable for use with flowable composites? The Compo Knives remove residues of composite rather than place it; for placing flowable or packable composite, see the spatula, plugger and condenser instruments.

How many working ends does the instrument have? The knives come in two versions rather than as one instrument with two different ends: #1 (24.710.01OX) is shaped for buccal and lingual surfaces, and #2 (24.710.02OX) for mesial and distal surfaces.

Can it be used in both anterior and posterior restorations? Yes, the instrument is designed to support a broad range of direct composite restorations in all regions of the mouth.

Manufacturer literature: ATTIN Compo Knives flyer (PDF) — more in our Restorative Instrument Library.