Abstract: An impact-type wire rope cutter is disclosed in which a slotted fragment guard is movably mounted to the body of the wire rope cutter. The slotted fragment guard slidably receives the cutting chisel therethrough, and it is formed so that it can be moved between an open position for receipt of a length of wire rope and a closed position immediately over the cutting area to prevent the direct expulsion or escape of fragments which can be produced by the cutting chisel during cutting. The fragment guard can be retrofit to existing cutters and easily replaced.