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

 Blades are made of hardened and tempered steel, stainless steel, or high carbon steel; in addition, titanium, ceramic, diamond and even obsidian  are also offered  with a zirconium nitride-coated edge to improve sharpness and edge retention.  Blades are polymer-coated to enhance lubricity during a cut.