Abstract: A paper cutting device of an electronic printer which derives its motive power from the drive source operating the paper feed mechanism of the printer. The paper feed mechanism has a one-way clutch coupled to the paper feed drive shaft which locks on to the shaft when feeding print media in the forward direction and over runs when the paper feed drive source rotates opposed to the print media driving direction. A second one-way clutch is coupled to the cutter drive shaft and positively engages the cutter mechanism when the paper feed drive is operated in the reverse non-feeding direction. It over runs when print media is being fed. The cutting mechanism is driven through its one-way clutch to a couple eccentric crank. The crank pushes a linear guided cutter blade by means of an articulated link which engages the blade. The paper is registered against the front edge of a slot in the blade guide and the blade is forced through the restrained media.