Abstract: A roll splitter apparatus is described for splitting a roll of paper or other sheet material using a cutter blade which moves substantially horizontally toward the roll core. A pair of generally horizontal extending holding arms are provided with hooks on the ends of such arms which engage a shaft extending through the core of the sheet roll to hold such roll while the cutter blade is moved radially inward toward the core to cut the roll. The cutter blade is driven by a fluid cylinder and has guide members which slide along the holding arms to guide the movement of such blade. The holding arms and blade are raised and lowered by means of another fluid cylinder in order to accommodate rolls of different diameter. A knife guard is provided which covers the cutter blade in its retracted position, such guard being raised and lowered by cams provided on the blade.