Surgical Blade Sizes Chart: Numbers 10 to 24 and Handles
Every surgical blade has a number for its shape and size, and each number fits one handle size. This chart lists the common blades, what each is used for and which handle it needs.
Which scalpel blade fits which handle?
Small blades numbered 10 to 15 fit a No. 3 handle; large blades numbered 20 to 25 fit a No. 4 handle. The most used blades are No. 10 (curved, general skin incisions), No. 11 (pointed, stab incisions), No. 15 (small curved, precise incisions) and No. 22 (large curved, long incisions).
Surgical blade numbers and uses
| Blade | Shape | Typical use | Handle |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 10 | Large curved cutting edge | General skin and muscle incisions | No. 3 |
| No. 11 | Triangular, pointed tip | Stab incisions, drains, arteriotomy | No. 3 |
| No. 12 | Small hooked (sickle) | Suture removal, ENT and oral surgery | No. 3 |
| No. 15 | Small curved edge | Short, precise incisions; plastic and paediatric surgery | No. 3 |
| No. 15C | Slimmer, longer No. 15 | Fine work in tight spaces, periodontal surgery | No. 3 |
| No. 20 | Large curved, like a big No. 10 | Long incisions, orthopaedic surgery | No. 4 |
| No. 21 | Large curved | Long incisions through thick tissue | No. 4 |
| No. 22 | Large curved, rounded belly | Long skin incisions, general surgery | No. 4 |
| No. 23 | Leaf-shaped, curved to the point | Long incisions, autopsy and dissection | No. 4 |
| No. 24 | Large, straight back, curved edge | Long incisions, orthopaedic and autopsy work | No. 4 |
Blades are made in carbon steel (sharper at first, can rust) or stainless steel (holds up better in humid storage). Uses are typical; the surgeon chooses the blade.
We manufacture sterile surgical blades No. 10 to 24 in stainless and high-carbon steel, individually foil-packed, made to ISO 7740.
Frequently asked questions
What is a No. 10 surgical blade used for?
The No. 10 has a large curved cutting edge and is the standard blade for general skin and muscle incisions. It fits a No. 3 handle.
What is a No. 11 blade used for?
The No. 11 is triangular with a sharp point, used for stab incisions, inserting drains, opening abscesses and arteriotomy. It fits a No. 3 handle.
What is the difference between a No. 15 and a No. 15C blade?
Both have a small curved edge for precise incisions; the 15C is slimmer and longer, which helps in tight spaces such as periodontal and plastic surgery.
Does a No. 22 blade fit a No. 3 handle?
No. Blades 20 to 25 have a larger fitting and need a No. 4 handle; blades 10 to 15 fit the No. 3 handle.
Carbon steel or stainless steel surgical blades?
Carbon steel blades are very sharp at first and lower in cost but can rust if stored in humid conditions; stainless steel blades resist corrosion. Many hospitals buy carbon steel for theatres with good storage and stainless steel for humid climates.
Buyer guides on this topic
- Surgical Blades Manufacturer India: Carbon Steel vs Stainless Steel (#10 to #24 Specifications)
- Surgical Scalpel Blade Handles (No. 3, No. 4, No. 7): Fitment & Specification Guide
- Surgical Blade Sharpness, Metallurgy & Sterility: What African Surgeons & Operating Theatres Demand
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