Abstract: A hand-held power cutting tool has a generally cylindrical casing, which can be grasped in the palm of one hand, and whose rear portion housed an electric driving motor disposed in the casing with its axis of rotation lying along the longitudinal axis of the rear portion. Reciprocated by the motor via a drive transmission system is a cutter carrier mounted for reciprocatory movement in a bearing support structure. The cutter carrier carries a clamp by which a cutter is attached to the carrier. The carrier is reciprocated at a rate of between 4,000 and 12,000 movements per minute and with a stroke of from 4 to 12 mm for rapid cutting of thin material. The cutter may have a generally U-shaped blade.