Abstract: A substantially vertical drum skinning apparatus includes an improved knife, a cushioned drive and an overriding brake, all for improving a skinning operation. The knife is pivoted near the drum and is spring biased toward the drum to an adjustable stop, so that the knife is relatively rigid in line with the primary skinning force applied thereto. It is free to move slightly through a defined area and against a yieldable bias force for facilitating the clean removal of the skin. The drum is driven through a skin clamp, and a flexible cushioned drive coupling for transmitting force to the drum drive shaft and facilitating clamp engagement, and smooth removal of the skin is included. An improved overriding brake holds the drum positively until the skin is tightly clamped and is easily removable for changing worn brake plates.