Scalpels with replaceable blades for foot care, podiatry, model making and the laboratory: scalpel handles in sizes No. 3 and No. 4 and the matching sterile single-use blades in shapes No. 10 to 25. The handle is reused and the blade is changed after use – so you always work with a fresh, sharp cutting edge.
Which blade fits which handle?
Scalpel blades come in two fitting sizes. The small and the large blades are not interchangeable – so always check the handle number before reordering:
- Scalpel handle No. 3 takes the small blades No. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15. This is the standard for fine, controlled work.
- Scalpel handle No. 4 takes the large blades No. 18 to 25. The wider blade is suitable for larger areas and longer cuts.
The shape numbers are uniform across the common manufacturers. A No. 15 blade therefore fits any standard No. 3 handle, and a No. 22 blade fits any standard No. 4 handle.
Blade sizes No. 10–25 at a glance
| Blade | Handle | Shape | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 10 | No. 3 | convex, rounded cutting edge | removal over larger areas, longer straight cuts |
| No. 11 | No. 3 | pointed, straight cutting edge | nail fold, lifting nail edges, precise cuts in model making |
| No. 12 | No. 3 | sickle-shaped, cutting edge on the inside | hard-to-reach areas on the nail fold |
| No. 13 and 14 | No. 3 | small special shapes | special applications – please compare the blade shape on the product page |
| No. 15 | No. 3 | short, rounded cutting edge | corns (clavi), small areas of callus – the standard blade in podiatry |
| No. 18 and 19 | No. 4 | large, rather straight cutting edge | long, straight cuts |
| No. 20, 21, 22 | No. 4 | large and convex, No. 22 the widest | callus on the heel and ball of the foot, cardboard, leather, foam |
| No. 23, 24, 25 | No. 4 | large, with a pronounced tip | working over large areas with precise placement at the tip |
Scalpels in foot care and podiatry
In medical foot care, the scalpel is the most important instrument for removing callus and corns. The following allocation has proven itself:
- Handle No. 3 with blade No. 15 for corns and small, round areas of callus.
- Handle No. 3 with blade No. 11 or 12 for the nail fold and ingrown nail edges.
- Handle No. 4 with blade No. 20, 21 or 22 for extensive callus on the heel and ball of the foot.
Place the blade flat and remove the callus in thin layers. Do not work on cracks, wounds or inflamed skin. In the case of diabetes, circulatory disorders or blood-thinning medication, treatment belongs in the hands of a podiatrist.
Scalpels for model making, crafts and the laboratory
Away from foot care, too, the scalpel is the first choice when a utility knife is too coarse:
- Model making: Blade No. 11 on handle No. 3 for decals, films, stencils and deburring plastic parts. Blade No. 10 for longer straight cuts.
- Crafts and paper work: Blade No. 11 for paper cuttings and passe-partouts, blades No. 20 to 22 on handle No. 4 for cardboard, leather and foam.
- Laboratory and preparation: fine cuts in plant material for microscopy, sample preparation.
Material, hygiene and safe blade changing
- Our blades are made of carbon steel, individually sterile-packed and supplied in a practical dispenser box. Carbon steel can be ground particularly sharp.
- Blades are single-use items. They are not resharpened or reprocessed.
- Only attach and remove the blade with a clamp or a blade remover, never with your fingers.
- Used blades belong in a puncture-proof disposal container.
- The scalpel handle is reusable and is disinfected and sterilised after each treatment.
Matching models
- Entry level for foot care: Scalpel handle No. 3 with blades No. 10
- For large areas: Scalpel handle No. 4 with blades No. 20
- Individual handles: Scalpel handle No. 3 and Scalpel handle No. 4
- Small blades for handle No. 3: No. 11, No. 12, No. 15
- Large blades for handle No. 4: No. 20, No. 21, No. 22, No. 25
- For corns and callus in the nail fold: Gouge blade holder with gouge blades
Frequently asked questions about scalpels
Which scalpel blade should I use for corns?
Blade No. 15 on handle No. 3. The short, rounded cutting edge can be guided precisely on small areas.
Does a No. 20 blade fit handle No. 3?
No. Blades No. 18 to 25 need the larger handle No. 4, blades No. 10 to 15 need handle No. 3.
Can I resharpen scalpel blades?
No. Scalpel blades are single-use blades. A blunt blade slips more easily and should be changed immediately.
Also suitable: Callus removers, Nail files and Nail nippers.