Long and extremely sharp bladed instrument used for surgery, anatomical dissection, . Re-usable scalpels can have permanently attached blades that can be sharpened or, more commonly, removable single-use blades. Disposable scalpels usually have a plastic handle with an extensible blade (like a utility knife) and are used once, then the entire instrument is discarded.  blades are usually individually packed in sterile pouches but are also offered non-sterile. Double-edged blades are referred to as "lancets".

 blades are usually made of hardened and tempered steel, stainless steel, or high carbon steel; in addition, titanium, ceramic, diamond and even obsidian .