Abstract: A holder is disclosed for applying the working edge of a doctor blade to a moving surface. The holder has upper and lower holder members constructed and arranged respectively to contact upper and lower surfaces of the doctor blade, with the doctor blade projecting forwardly to terminate at its working edge. One of the holder members comprises a composite of sandwiched elements enclosing one or more chambers having forwardly directed outlets. A pressurized fluid is introduced into the chambers for forward application via the outlets and along a surface of said doctor blade onto the surface being doctored.