A scalpel blade accessory and cartridge are provided wherein a tubular guard (3) is slidable over the scalpel blade carrier (2) between a retracted position in which the blade carrier is positioned to expose any scalpel blade (4) associated with it for use and an extended position in which the guard covers the blade carrier and any blade thereon. The scalpel blade is of a standard type having a mounting slot for attachment to a lug (7) on a standard scalpel handle (5) for use. The scalpel blade carrier has an alignment face (12) for cooperation with a side face of a blade and at least one opening (13) providing access through the alignment face to a position corresponding to that in which the mounting slot (8 9) of any scalpel blade is to be located in use. The blade carrier has a bridge (21) spanning the alignment face so as to provide space for a scalpel blade between the alignment face and bridge. The bridge supports a blade catch (22) that cooperates with a rear end of the mounting slot to hold a relevant scalpel blade captive. The blade catch is disengagable by assembling it onto a standard handle in use.
