Abstract: A knife holder mounted on the periphery of a knife roller in an apparatus for cutting lengths of webs such as paper is disclosed. The knife holder in the system disclosed is formed of an elastomeric material. The knife blades have shaped configurations in order to cut contours, angles, curves, or geometric shapes into the web. The knife blades are held in place principally by friction in slots cut into the knife holder and seat themselves in the elastomer during set-up and changing. Additionally, flexibility in milling shapes and contours, reduced and even wear of knife blades, and prevention of deformation or displacement of cutting blades is achieved.