Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting tool and a tool holder for cutting panels from blanks of sheet-like material. The cutting tool comprises a thin cutting plate on which is formed by etching a cutting edge having a contour corresponding to the outline of the panels to be cut out. The cutting plate also comprises a plurality of openings which are surrounded by the cutting edge. The tool holder is a metallic cylinder to be mounted on the drive shaft of a conventional panel cutting apparatus and comprises a seat for receiving the cutting plate which is retained in the seat by keys. In the cylinder are formed passageways communicating with a source of vacuum and also communicating with the openings on the cutting plate to create a zone of vacuum in the vicinity of the cutting edge.