Safety Scalpel

A safety scalpel, comprising:

• a handle having a first end and a second end and having a longitudinal axis that extends between the first end and the second end, comprising:
• a holding portion extending from the first end to a locking portion, the locking portion positioned between the first end and the second end;
• and
• an engaging portion extending from the second end to the locking portion;
• and
• a cartridge assembly detachably and slideably mounted onto the engaging portion of the handle substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, comprising:
• a blade guard having a first end and second end and a locking aperture defined near the first end, the blade guard defining a substantially cavity, wherein the blade guard slideably mounts onto the second end of the handle such that it covers the engaging portion and the first end of the blade guard engages the locking portion;
• a blade holder slideably mounted within the cavity of the blade guard, the blade holder having at least one front leg and at least one rear leg, wherein the at least one rear leg has a pair of front feet and a pair of back feet, the pair of back feet being spring loadable and receivable within the locking aperture of the blade guard;
• a blade keyed to cooperatively mate with the blade holder, such that as the blade holder slides within the cavity of the blade guard, the blade extends from or retracts within the second end of the blade guard;
• and
• an activation member attached to the blade holder, wherein the activation member is adapted for actuating the blade holder to move a portion of the blade between an extended position outside the second end of the blade guard and a retracted position within the second end of the blade guard.