Abstract: A surgical scalpel includes an elongate handle that has a proximal end, a open distal end and sidewalls that define an upwardly open cavity with a bottom with an open void therein. The sidewalls each have an elongate channel therein. The scalpel of the invention includes a cartridge that is removably retained within the cavity. The cartridge includes a shield. The cartridge has a blade holder with a proximal end and a distal end mounted within the shield for slidable movement between a proximal and a distal position. There is a latch on the blade holder for engaging the handle and the shield to retain releasably the blade holder in the distal position and the proximal position. The scalpel has a blade fixedly attached to the blade holder so that when the blade holder is in the distal position, the blade projects distally from the handle. When the blade holder is in the proximal position, the blade is within the shield and the handle and thus substantially protected from inadvertent exposure.