tool
Scalpel
This knife was originally made of steel, later of chromed steel or
stainless steel. Blade and handle consist of one piece, or can be combined
into one. In the first case, the blade must be sharpened regularly, in the
other case, you have replaceable blades that are attached to the handle.
The blade can be straight, convex or curved with a razor-sharp edge. The
length of the blade varies between 1.5 and 6 cm. The blade cuts on one or
both sides and has a rounded or very sharp point. It is used by surgeons
and veterinarians to accurately make fine, deep cuts during surgery. The
scalpel is also used by the painting conservator who scrapes and smooths
the putty applied to gaps in the painting. See also penknife and pocket
knife. [MOT]