Abstract: The tape dispensers of the present invention employ a variety of features which may be used singly or in conjunction with the other features. The features include a mechanism which extends the blade when pivotal pressure is applied to a shield or lever, thus enabling the use of a sharper blade, and in a more extended configuration during the cutting of tape. Another feature is the fitting of a smaller sized spool to engage smaller diameter cores on which tape is provided with an adapter which fits onto the smaller sized spool and having a helixed slot is provided to insure that as the tape is being dispensed, the adapter is continuously urged into full engagement with the smaller sized spool. Other features are embodied into a base-type tape dispenser which includes a manual mechanism for obtaining lengths of tape, combined with the use of the portable portion which may be removed and used as a hand-held dispenser.