Scalpels and craft knives are commonly used for art and craft projects. They have extremely sharp, thin blades held in place by a lightweight metal or plastic handle. They are ideal for cutting out intricate shapes or to trim away excess, for use on delicate materials, model making, etching, scribing and scraping. They offer the user both precision and accuracy when performing delicate tasks.

When are scalpels and craft knives normally used?

Scalpels and craft knives can be used on a variety of different materials such as paper, cardboard, clay, rubber, wood and other difficult-to-cut materials.

Scalpels, as well as scalpel blades, can be single-use disposable or re-usable, depending upon your requirements.

Scalpel blades are made from hardened and tempered steel, stainless steel (especially surgical blades), or high-carbon steel and are designed to fit securely into the scalpel handle. Craft knives often have safety scalpels or retractable blades.

Scalpel blades and craft knife blades can be individually sealed or supplied in packs in foil packets for safety reasons and to keep them sterile, and they can also be covered by protective rust inhibitors. Sterile as well as non-sterile blades are available.

There are disposable craft knives and scalpels so no need to constantly change your blade. The blades are usually stainless steel or carbon steel. These are designed to be used a handful of times and then disposed of.

How do I replace a scalpel or craft knife blade?

When replacing a scalpel or craft knife blade, it is a good idea to have a blade remover for safety reasons and a sharps bin, especially for surgical blades.

• Open the scalpel blade wrapper with the split in the wrapper.
• Remove the blade with an instrument possibly a surgical instrument such as forceps.
• Match up the scalpel blade to the scalpel handle.
• Slide the blade down until it falls into the small groves in the scalpel handle. Keep moving the blade down until it clicks into place.

For a craft knife, the collet which secures the blade will need to be opened.

• Remove the blade from the handle and carefully dispose of it.
• Insert a new blade into the slot at the handle end.
• Lock the handle.