A scalpel, lancet, or bistoury is a small and extremely sharp bladed instrument used for surgery, anatomical dissection, podiatry and various handicrafts.

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.

The first medical writings of ancient Greeks indicate they were commonly using tools identical to today's scalpels around 500 BC.

[7] South African scientists showed that a blunt scalpel caused sharp cuts if the blade was subjected to ultrasound.

A lancet has a double-edged blade and a pointed end for making small incisions or drainage punctures.

Graphical and model-making scalpels tend to have round handles, with textured grips (either knurled metal or soft plastic).

Rising awareness of the dangers of sharps in a medical environment around the beginning of the 21st century led to the development of various methods of protecting healthcare workers from accidental cuts and puncture wounds.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 1,000 people were subject to accidental needle sticks and lacerations each day in the United States while providing medical care.

[12][13] "Scalpel Safety" is a term coined to inform users that there are choices available to them to ensure their protection from this common sharps injury.

The retractable blade version made by companies such as OX Med Tech, DeRoyal, Jai Surgicals, Swann Morton, and PenBlade are more intuitive to use due to their similarities to a standard box-cutter.

Retractable sheath versions have much stronger ergonomic feel for the doctors and are made by companies such as Aditya Dispomed, Aspen Surgical and Southmedic.

[16] There are companies which offer a single-handed scalpel blade remover that complies with regulatory requirements such as US Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards.