


If retractable, the blade stays covered until it is needed to be used and then goes back into the handle for disposal after use.Ĭraft or surgical, all blades should be disposed of safely. In this type, the handle is often made from plastic and the blade may or may not be retractable. Sharpening surgical scalpels can also cause hairline cracks in the surface which can become home to undesirable organisms.Īn entire scalpel can be available as a disposable unit. It is easy to damage the blade and create a burr which cannot be taken off. Sharpening a blade can be tricky, because it is so thin, fine, and delicate. Some blades are made to be sharpened and used again. With craft scalpels, the blade is replaced when it becomes less effective and starts to become dull. This is done to ensure that the blade is as sharp as possible for each new patient, and to reduce the risk of transmitting disease and infection. With a surgical scalpel, the blade is changed between patients. The blade is disposable since it can be removed. Reusable handles, in the case of a surgical scalpel, are designed to be sterilized. There are two parts to a scalpel, a blade and a handle.

A basic craft knife-scalpel can be a handy item to have around the house for various projects. This icon of the surgical industry is a very useful tool inside and outside the operating room. A scalpel is a small, thin and extremely sharp knife most widely known for its use in surgery, but there are also styles that can be used for crafts and hobbies.
