Abstract: A flash removing apparatus is provided which has a pair of blades driven by an actuator through a linkage assembly, simultaneously and in opposite directions, between a bottle receiving position and a closed position to aid in removing flash from a plastic product disposed on the blades. Preferably, the blades can also be moved to a fully open position to permit a bottle to pass between the blades and increase manufacturing flexibility and efficiency of the apparatus. The linkage assembly has a center link rotatable about a fixed pivot and at least one link arm connected to the center link and operably connected to the actuator to unfold and fold the linkage assembly in response to movement of the actuator between its advanced and retracted positions. The folding and unfolding of the linkage assembly moves the blades between their open and closed positions in cycles to remove flash from consecutive plastic products.