Abstract: There is disclosed an instrument for cutting bandages which has a handle and a base guide foot section. The base guide foot has a nose section which extends past the edge of a blade positioned within the instrument. The base guide unit has an enlarged portion on its bottom area which permits the instrument to ride on only a small area and be pivoted on the area when in use. In one version the instruments has a removable blade unit which can be installed and removed without being contacted by the installer thereby reducing possibility of contamination.