Abstract: A method for stripping electric wires is disclosed, which comprises the steps of introducing the end of the wire within a passage defined by the facing cutting edges of two knives adapted for movement in a substantially radial direction in the plane of the passage between an introduction position, wherein the minimum radial spacing between the edges is greater than the outer diameter of the insulating sheath, and a cutting position, wherein said minimum radial spacing is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the insulating sheath, applying clamping means onto the wire portion the insulating sheath of which is to be preserved, bringing the knives in cutting position, bringing radially the knives in an intermediate withdrawing position, wherein the minimum radial spacing between the edges is greater than the inner diameter of the insulating sheath, but smaller than the inner diameter thereof, and spacing relatively to each other and in a direction perpendicular to the plane of said passage the knives and