Abstract: A scalpel including an elongated handle having an engaging surface located on the handle, a blade carried by the handle adjacent one end thereof and a guard movably mounted to the handle for sliding movement relative to the handle between a protective position covering the blade and a retracted position exposing the blade for use. The guard includes side members extending downwardly from an upper surface. The side members are positioned adjacent opposite sides of the handle and the resiliency of the guard forces the inner surfaces of the side members into engagement with the engaging surface of the handle. The guard is movably along the engaging surface in response to sliding movement of the guard relative to the handle. In a further form, the guard is slidable into a permanently locked position relative to the handle, thereby preventing reuse of the scalpel and inadvertent exposure of the blade.

Abstract: A scalpel including an elongated handle having an engaging surface located on the handle, a blade carried by the handle adjacent one end thereof and a guard movably mounted to the handle for sliding movement relative to the handle between a protective position covering the blade and a retracted position exposing the blade for use. The guard includes side members extending downwardly from an upper surface. The side members are positioned adjacent opposite sides of the handle and the resiliency of the guard forces the inner surfaces of the side members into engagement with the engaging surface of the handle. The guard is movably along the engaging surface in response to sliding movement of the guard relative to the handle. In a further form, the guard is slidable into a permanently locked position relative to the handle, thereby preventing reuse of the scalpel and inadvertent exposure of the blade.

Abstract: The scalpel includes a handle mounting a scalpel blade at one end and having a slot opening through and between its opposite sides. A guard, including two side members straddling the handle, is mounted for sliding movement between a protective position overlying the blade and a retracted position exposing the blade for use. The side members are connected by an element extending through the handle slot and one or more resilient fingers in the slot cooperates with the element to detent the guard in one of the positions. In a further form, the guard is slidable into a permanently locked position relative to the handle, thereby preventing reuse of the scalpel and inadvertent exposure of the blade.