Abstract: A blade removal device includes positionable hand protecting members which are movable to a position relative to a base portion for preventing injury to an operator during use of the blade removal device. A blade removal mechanism is configured in the blade removal device and is accessible through positioning of the hand protecting members. The blade removal mechanism defines a plurality of blade removal chambers disposed in communication with a blade receptacle area. Each chamber defines a blade disengaging mechanism configured to remove a blade from a surgical knife handle by inserting the blade and attached handle into the chamber and withdrawing the handle from the chamber with the blade being retained in the chamber. The blade removal device is operable for removing blades while mated with a storage section or separate from the storage section.