Abstract: A mechanism for cutting an elongated material, such as insulated wire or fiber optic cabling. The cutting mechanism includes a stationary blade housing that includes a recessed blade receptacle. The blade receptacle receives an insert blade that is biased outward by a bias element. A cutting blade having a pair of guide legs is movable relative to the stationary blade housing and insert blade such that a cutting edge of the cutting blade interacts with a cutting edge of the insert blade to sever the elongated material. The cutting blade is received within a blade guideway formed between the blade housing and an attached guide block. The blade guideway guides the movement of the cutting blade between its retracted position and its extended position. As the cutting blade moves to the extended position, the guide legs of the cutting blade contact an outer face surface of the insert blade such that the insert blade and the cutting blade retain the desired orientation.