The present invention relates to a method for determining a utilization level (UL ULtot) indicating a degree of utilization of a re-usable cutting accessory (4) for endoscopic surgery, such as an arthroscopic shaver blade, removably connectable to a handpiece (2) comprising a motor (21) driving the cutting accessory (4) during surgical procedures. The method provides a reliable measure of the utilization level of the cutting accessory (4) by determining the utilization level (UL) of the cutting accessory (4) through calculation of at least one utilization factor (UF1, UF2) that is calculated based on a torque (40) measured when said cutting accessory (4) is driven by said motor (21).