Abstract: A tape dispenser for adhesive tape comprising a housing (10) for rotatably supporting a tape roll (12) with the tape end (11) exiting the housing through an opening (22) and passing around a guide (21). To sever the tape, a cutting mechanism (25) is provided comprising rollers (29) supported on a rotatable shaft (27) with radially extending cutting members (26) positioned to contact the tape. When severing of the tape is desired, the rollers are brought into contact with the surface to which the tape is being applied to move the cutting members into contact with and at the same velocity as the tape for effective cutting.