A container (11) is disclosed for holding a sharp instrument during surgical procedures, the sharp instrument having a handle portion and a cutting portion, the container having an instrument recess (15) adapted to receive at least the cutting portion of the sharp instrument, and guide means (20, 21) for guiding a sharp instrument placed in the container to the instrument recess; the arrangement being such that a sharp instrument received within the instrument recess is positioned therein such that the cutting portion thereof is not directed towards the opening of the instrument recess whereby a user's fingers are substantially prevented from contacting the cutting portion.