Abstract: An optical fiber cleaver is disclosed wherein a blade applies a pre-set force to an optical fiber to form a notch in that optical fiber. In a preferred embodiment, a spring applies a pre-set force to the blade such that should an undue amount of force be applied to the fiber from the blade, the blade will overcome the spring force and not move towards the fiber any further. The cleaver is preferably formed from two pivotally connected handle portions each including holder portions which come into mating contact with each other to provide a stop against further pivoting movement. At that time, the blade is forced into the optical fiber to cleave the optical fiber. In a further feature of this invention, an optical fiber guide provides a stop between an insulated portion of the optical fiber, and a stripped portion. The optical fiber guide is adjustable to adjust the distance between the end of the insulation and the location of the notch.