A two piece, adjustable angle handle for a surgical instrument, capable of easy adjustment to a number of angles, permitting the handle of the instrument to be grasped with one hand, and the other hand to guide the operating end of the instrument, said handle permanently affixed to an instrument, or capable if attachment to a number of different instruments by means of a firm but releasable fastening to the shaft of the instrument, as with a Hudson fitting; the adjustable angle fastening comprising a radial array of teeth as in a ratchet wheel and a reverse scissor pawl.