Abstract: A shield stripping apparatus for stripping an outer shield from an electrical cable. The apparatus includes a housing with a shaft rotatably mounted therein. A cable guide head is removably attached to the shaft and includes a wire receiving and guiding aperture therethrough. The guide head further defines a transverse blade receiving groove or slot adjacent the aperture. A cutting blade is pivotally mounted in the slot and may be pivoted through an angle of approximately 90.degree. between a retracted position and a cutting position. In the cutting position, a cutting edge on the blade extends into the aperture for engaging and cutting the outer shielding of the cable. During the cutting operation, the cable is pulled through the guide head. Because the guide head and shaft are free to rotate, the blade will be guided along spirally wound wires within the shield such that the guide head and shaft rotate as the cable is pulled therethrough.