A surgical instrument made from flexibly resilient sheet metal has a handle formed into a sheet metal beam having a convex shape for improved strength. Raised uninterrupted arcuate protrusions on the outer surface of the handle of the instrument are provided to add additional strength and to provide improved grip retention when the surgical instrument is being used during surgical procedures. The improved handle is shown integrally as part of a needle holder capable of clamping surgical needles of varying diameters.
