A surgical blade assembly includes a blade having side surfaces defining a width greater than its thickness. The surgical blade assembly also includes a reinforcing member having a body portion, and first and second arms extending from the body portion to define a receiving portion. The receiving portion is configured to receive the blade and the first and second arms are configured to abut the side surfaces of the blade. The first and second arms act as a strut to reinforce the blade against external forces applied to the blade. The blade and the reinforcing member may include coupling features to prevent separation of the reinforcing member from the blade. The blade and the reinforcing member may be substantially perpendicular to each other when coupled.