Abstract: The invention includes an optical waveguide whipping end cutting apparatus. The apparatus includes an active cutting element. The element is positioned to cut a segment from a whipping end of an optical fiber, while the fiber is being wound onto a rotating spool. This apparatus will prevent fiber whip. The invention also includes a method of cutting a whipping end from an optical fiber. The method includes removing a segment of the end of the fiber with an active cutting element. A method of cutting an optical fiber while winding the fiber onto a storage spool is further discussed. The fiber has a whipping end and a wound segment. The method includes separating the whipping end of the fiber from the wound segment with an active cutting element. Furthermore, the invention includes a method of reducing fiber whip damage to fiber wound on a spool. This includes engaging an active cutting element on the fiber being wound onto the spool, and removing a whipping end from the fiber.