A surgical instrument having a shaft with a fixed handle part having a sliding part arranged thereon, and axially movable by means of a pivotable handle. The sliding part is guided on the shaft within an axial working stroke by proximal and distal guidance mechanism. A locking mechanism limit the axial displacement of the sliding part on the proximal end of the working stroke. In use, after unlocking the locking mechanism. the sliding part is movable beyond the proximal end of the working stroke into a cleaning position, in which the distal guidance mechanism are disengaged, so that the sliding part can be lifted away from the shaft.