Abstract: A surgical scalpel includes a handle with a proximal end and a distal end that defines a cavity with an open distal end within the handle. The handle further includes an opening. The scalpel of the invention has a cartridge removably mountable to the handle. The cartridge includes a blade holder with a proximal end and a distal end. The blade holder includes elements for removably mounting the cartridge to the handle. There is a blade fixedly attached to the blade holder so that the blade projects distally. The scalpel of has a shield mounted on the blade holder for slidable movement between a distal position wherein the shield substantially prevents inadvertent access to the blade and a proximal position wherein the shield is substantially within the handle and the blade is exposed for use. The shield has a latch for engaging the blade holder and releasably retaining the shield in both the distal position and the proximal position.