The #11 blade is most often used to make stab incisions. It is held like a pencil and is often held upside down. If the wound needs to be extended, the scalpel is moved in a sawing motion. The blade has a back bevel which may be placed against a guide, such as the guidewire used in central venous catheterization, to ensure accurate placement of a stab incision. The #11 blade is extremely sharp and may inadvertently be passed too deep. To prevent this, the hand may be stabilized with the heel of the hand on the skin, preventing undue advance of the scalpel.
