In an embodiment, there is a safety scalpel having a handle, and a replaceable blade cartridge assembly that is releasably attached to the handle. The handle comprises a first end and a second end. The blade cartridge assembly comprises a housing that can be slideably mounted onto the second end of the handle, a blade holder that can be disposed within the housing, and a blade that can be attached to the blade holder. The safety scalpel has a resilient lock member that prevents the cartridge assembly from being detached from the handle during use.