Abstract: A band cutter transversely cuts a band having a longitudinal axis and major and minor transverse dimensions perpendicular to the band's longitudinal axis, the major dimension of the band being greater than the minor dimension of the band. The band cutter has a housing having a barrel chamber and a support channel formed therein, the barrel chamber and the support channel having longitudinal axes which are generally parallel and coaxial to each other. A band slot, extending through the housing and transversely intersecting the support channel, is adapted to receive the band and prevent significant lateral and rotational movement of the band during cutting. A blade is positioned within the support channel and is sized to move along the support channel.