Abstract: A mucotome or mucous membrane cutter for mucogingival membrane surgery is disclosed. The mucotome comprises a handle having a small, compactly designed cutting head arranged on its forward end, the cutting head including a circular cylindrical blade-holding roller which is reciprocable parallel to the blade edge in a guide by means of a drive shaft having an eccentric crank pin engaging in cross grooves of the blade-holding roller. A cutting shoe is mounted to the ends of the blade-holding roller and is rotatable relative to the cutting head through a limited angle. The cutting head is also selectively positionable in at least two angular positions relative to its support. The cutting blade is secured in a longitudinal radial slot in the roller and projects therefrom through a guide slit formed in a crosspiece of the cutting shoe. The construction and arrangement of the cutting head and cutting shoe assure a compact, versatile structure having a number of adjustment possibilities.