Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided which has independent capabilities of operating as a surgical needleholder for suturing operations, and as a surgical cutting device for severing the suture thread. The instrument of the invention may be operated as a conventional needleholder and, to that end, it has a pair of jaws in which a suture needle may be securely held for the suturing operation, and it also has a usual clasp mechanism for locking the jaws in their closed position. However, in accordance with the concepts of the invention, one of the arms of the instrument is split into two co-extensive elongated sections, both being pivoted at the pivot point of the instrument. The distal end of the first section is formed into one of the jaws of the instrument, and that arm functions with the other arm of the instrument to perform the conventional needle holding function.