Scalpels and blades

Here you will find disposable scalpel blades and scalpel handles for podiatry, medical foot care and clinical practice – from budget models to medically approved ones. We stock scalpel handles in sizes No. 3 and No. 4 along with the matching blades.

Find out more: blade, handle and use

Which blade fits which handle?

This is the most common mix-up when reordering – the two systems are not compatible:

  • Handle No. 3 takes the small blade shapes 10, 11, 12, 15. This is the standard for fine work on the nail fold and on corns.
  • Handle No. 4 takes the large shapes 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 – for removing callus over larger areas.

Which blade shape for which job?

  • Fig. 10 – rounded cutting edge, for working over larger areas.
  • Fig. 11 – pointed and straight. The classic choice for the nail fold and for lifting nail edges.
  • Fig. 15 – short curved edge, easy to control on small, round patches of callus.
  • Fig. 21 and 22 – large curved edges for extensive callus on the heel and ball of the foot.

Hygiene and handling

  • Blades are single-use items and are not resharpened or reprocessed.
  • Fit and remove the blade only with a blade remover or clamp, never with your fingers.
  • Used blades belong in a puncture-proof sharps container.
  • The handle is disinfected and sterilised after every treatment.
  • Work flat and in thin layers – never on fissures, wounds or inflamed skin.

Related guides: Instrument reprocessing in podiatry · Removing callus: plane, rasp or file?

Related categories: Nail instruments, RUCK podiatry instruments, Nail drill bits, Corner nippers

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 Scalpels

Scalpels

Frequently Asked Questions About Scalpels & Blades

What is a scalpel?

A scalpel is a medical cutting instrument consisting of a handle (scalpel handle) and a replaceable blade. It is used for precise incisions in surgery, dermatology and podiatry – in foot care, for example, to remove calluses in a targeted way. All models: Scalpels & Blades.

Which scalpel blade fits which scalpel handle?

The blade size must match the handle. Our Scalpel Handle No. 3 takes the smaller blades (e.g. No. 10, 11, 12, 13, 15), while the larger Scalpel Handle No. 4 takes the bigger blades (e.g. No. 18, 19, 20, 21).

What is the difference between Scalpel Handle No. 3 and No. 4?

The Handle No. 3 is the standard handle for the smaller blades (No. 10–15), while the slightly sturdier Handle No. 4 takes the larger blades (No. 18–21). Which one you need depends on the blade size and the intended use.

Which blade shape (No. 10, 11, 15) is suited to what?

As a rough guide: the No. 10 blade has a rounded edge for broad, flat cuts, the No. 11 comes to a sharp point for precise stabbing cuts, and the No. 15 is a small, curved blade for fine precision work.

Is a scalpel sharper than a razor blade?

Yes, a scalpel is generally ground finer and more precisely than an ordinary razor blade. While razor blades are designed for hair removal, scalpel blades are engineered for surgical and podiatric precision cuts – for example, models from Aesculap, RUCK and other brands.

Are the scalpel blades sterile, individually wrapped and disposable?

Yes – our scalpel blades are individually sterile-wrapped (boxes of 100) and designed as single-use blades. After use they should be disposed of properly; the reusable stainless steel scalpel handle can be cleaned and sterilised.

What are disposable scalpels?

Disposable scalpels are ready-assembled single-use scalpels (a handle with a fixed blade) for maximum hygiene without any blade changing – ideal whenever a sterile instrument is only needed once.

What is a scalpel used for in foot care and podiatry?

In professional foot care, the scalpel is used to precisely remove calluses, corns and hardened skin. For an overview of the instruments podiatrists need, see our guide The most important instruments for podiatrists. Our podiatry instruments are a good complement.

Who are scalpels and blades suitable for?

Scalpels are intended for podiatrists, professional foot care and trained specialist staff. Our guide Requirements for medical foot care instruments explains what matters when choosing medical foot care instruments.

Can you buy a scalpel at a pharmacy?

Scalpels and scalpel blades are generally available through specialist medical suppliers. For professional users in podiatry, foot care or surgery, a specialist supplier is the better choice – with us you'll find them all together under Scalpels & Blades.

Can you buy a scalpel online?

Yes – through a specialist retailer like nagelzange.de you can buy high-quality scalpels and blades for professional use: blades to fit Scalpel Handle No. 3 and No. 4, disposable options for maximum hygiene, and callus-plane blades.

How do you change a scalpel blade safely?

Always hold the blade with a clamp or a blade remover – never with bare fingers – and fit or remove it at the handle mount. Used blades belong in a sharps/blade disposal container.

What is an alternative to a scalpel for calluses?

For use at home, a callus plane or a coarse foot file is safer than a scalpel. Blade-based callus removal remains a job for professional foot care.

Where can I find all scalpels and blades at a glance?

All handles and their matching disposable blades are grouped together under Scalpels & Blades – complemented by our podiatry instruments and nail instruments.