An ultrasonically actuatable surgical blade (10) comprises a metal blade (14) and an elastomeric, biocompatible polymeric coating (16) integral with the blade. The metal blade is usually titanium or a titanium alloy. The polymeric coating comprises a fluoropolymer resin and exhibits a Shore Hardness of 50D to 60D, an elongation at break of at least about 250 percent at a temperature in the range of about 20 EC. to about 200 EC. Optionally aluminum oxide powder can be dispersed in the coating.