The engineers at Hogue Knives strive to create solutions by design and to overcome obstacles that challenge their customers in the midst of specialized pursuits. For this project, an avid hunter named Lucas Paugh approached Hogue Knives President and Master Tool Maker, Jim Bruhns, with a serious problem that hunters face in the backcountry. In order to increase efficiency and reduce pack weight, hunters have turned to utilize disposable scalpel blades to break down an animal. However, these medical instruments were not built to last. Blades can break off, frames can bend, and as a result, many hunters share the dangerous experience of cutting themselves in the backcountry. This prevalent issue birthed the innovation of the Expel, a revolutionary scalpel design that enables the end user to safely use and remove the surgical blade without fear of injury. The Expel is built upon a 440C stainless steel frame and features removable G10 scales with Peel Ply texture. It weighs a mere 1.4 ounces and is compatible with popular scalpel blades, boasting versatility based on the immediate needs of the user. The key feature of the Expel's design is its dual-function switch mechanism. The switch acts as both a lock and ejector, completely securing the blade in place when in use and also allowing the user to effortlessly doff the blade without making contact with the sharp edge.