Abstract: A monopolar-based electrosurgical handpiece includes a body, a distal tip, and a tip-support housing joining the distal tip to the body. A first electrode located in the distal tip is coupleable to a first active lead for cutting tissue, together with a remote return electrode. The first electrode includes a discrete exposed cutting surface area. The distal tip also includes a second electrode coupleable to the first active lead for coagulating tissue, together with the remote return electrode. The second electrode has a discrete exposed coagulating surface area larger than the discrete exposed cutting surface area. An electrically non-conducting support is secured to the first electrode, and defines the discrete exposed cutting surface area where the first electrode is uncovered by the electrically non-conducting support. The support strengthens the distal tip, and electrically separates the first electrode from the second electrode.