Scalpels are great for a lot of taxidermy work, and for skinning of feet around the claws, on heads in the ears and gums. A 90 degree (square) leading edge is also useful.(as in a broken off knife tip. Doug Klinkenbeard, taxidermist in Smithers, B.C. used a broken tipped Swedish MORA knife as his main tool for skinning and all caping. He was a marvel to watch. He liked those knifes as they got an incredible edge and were easily re-sharpened, unlike some other makes, Buck in particular.
I have no experience using anything but my Leatherman & a filleting knife on fish.

BUT - they need to be sharpened first. They are not sharp enough as received or as they are used in the OR - yet, they are. That is why some eye dr.'s are using obsidian now as it is much sharper than a scalpel. Now, the scalpel could be made sharp enough, but Dr.'s lack the expertise or understanding or skill and equipment to make them so - generally speaking, of course. IMHO.