Abstract: The present invention includes a single-use surgical scalpel offering a variety of advantages relative to prior art devices. In preferred embodiments, the surgical scalpel of the present invention consists of three elements: a housing, a blade carrier, and a blade. The scalpel further includes an integrated light emitter selectively coupled to a power source when the scalpel is in use. The scalpel of the present invention further includes means for indicating that the blade has been previously advanced, including at least a viewing window disposed in the housing and a single use indicator integrated with the blade carrier.