A multi-mode electrosurgical apparatus for use in cold plasma applications, electrosurgical cutting, electrosurgical coagulation and mechanical cutting is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus includes a housing having a passage extending therethrough, an electrically conducting tube being disposed in the passage of the housing; an insulating outer tube disposed around the electrically conducting tube coupled to the housing, the electrically conducting tube being movable along a longitudinal axis of the housing and outer tube; an electrically conducting blade coupled to the distal end of the electrically conducting tube, and a transformer assembly disposed on a proximal end of the housing, the transformer assembly including a first transformer and a first switch for selectively coupling the first transformer and an external second transformer to the electrically conducting tube for providing electrosurgical energy thereto.