A surgical access assembly is described that includes an outer sheath and a selectively removable obturator. The outer sheath is defined by an open distal end and an open proximal end and includes a hollow body portion therebetween. The obturator is defined by a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end further comprises a tapered distal tip member. The obturator is configured to be received within the outer sheath such that the tapered distal tip member protrudes from the open distal end of the outer sheath when the obturator is in an introducing configuration. The outer sheath further includes a gripping member, wherein the gripping member includes at least one retaining notch formed on an outer surface thereof.
