A forceps instrument comprises, for the support of at least one pivotally supported branch, a bearing insert which is inserted into a base in order to support at least one pivotable branch. The bearing insert may be inserted transversely with respect to the pivot axis into a corresponding compartment of the base and fixed there in the compartment, for example due to detent action. The bearing insert comprises two bearing elements, such as cylindrical journals, which are arranged on bearing parts of the bearing insert, without being in contact with each other, said bearing parts having the form of plates, for example, that are oriented parallel to each other. The two journals come into engagement with corresponding openings of the branch, in which case the distance remaining between the end sides of the journals can be used for the arrangement of miscellaneous elements, such as a cutting knife.
