Abstract: In an apparatus for cutting flat stock such as foil, strip, fiber-reinforced ribbons, or the like, a support structure for the stock to be cut includes two endless chains running parallel to each other at a fixed distance from each other; the chain link members are provided each with holding elements for uniformly distributed pins; steel strips or wires loop around the pins and extend across the space between the two chains establishing a support surface for flat stock, the strips or wires are oriented so that respective thin edges face a cutting tool.