Scalpel

A scalpel with a very sharp blade is a small tool used in surgery, anatomical anatomy, podiatry and a variety of arts and crafts (known as a recreational knife). The scalpel can be used once or it can be reused. Reusable scalps can have permanently attached blades that can be sharpened or, more often, blades that can be removed. Disposable scalps usually have a plastic handle with a traceable blade (similar to a utility knife) and are used once, after which the entire tool must be discarded. The scalpel blades are usually supplied in individual sterile pockets, but are also available non-sterile.

The scalpel blades are usually made of mild or hardened steel, stainless steel or high quality carbon steel , titanium, ceramic, diamond, and even obsidian. For example, steel blades cannot be used during MRI-guided surgery (the blades can be attracted to a magnet or cause image distortion). Historically, silver has been the preferred material for a scalpel. Some manufacturers offer scalpel blades with zirconium nitride coated edges to improve sharpness and edge retention. Others produce polymer coated blades to improve lubrication during cutting.

Surgical scalpels have two parts: a blade and a handle. The handles are often reusable and the blades can be replaced. In medical applications, each blade is used only once.