Abstract: A scalpel is provided including a chuck shaft having a diametric slot at its front end into which the rear end of a blade is inserted. The blade is provided with a cylindrical collar intermediate its ends which abuts against the front end of the chuck shaft. Over the blade and integral collar is threadedly mounted a retaining sleeve which engages with the exterior surface of the chuck shaft. As the retaining sleeve is threaded onto the chuck shaft, it radially compresses the front end of the chuck shaft so that the surfaces of the slot engage firmly and securely with the rear end of the blade, having previously been inserted therein.

Abstract: A single scalpel having a universally adjustable blade mounted to the scalpel handle for selected positioning through an arc of at least 90.degree. with respect to the axis of the handle and through an arc of at least 360.degree. about the axis of the handle thereby enabling the single scalpel to be used at any required angle and position without changing blades or scalpels.

Abstract: A single scalpel having a universally adjustable blade mounted to the scalpel handle for selected positioning through an arc of at least 90.degree. with respect to the axis of the handle and through an arc of at least 360.degree. about the axis of the handle thereby enabling the single scalpel to be used at any required angle and position without changing blades or scalpels.