Abstract: A process and apparatus for cutting textile tow into staple is disclosed. The textile tow is wound onto a textile tow support which is rotatable at a predetermined angular velocity. A plurality of moveable cutting surfaces are attached integrally to the textile tow support around its periphery to permit the tow to be wrapped in surface contact with the cutting surfaces. The tow is cut into staple by transverse or orthogonal movement of the cutting surfaces with respect to the direction of winding of the textile tow on the textile tow support. In a first embodiment of the invention, the cutting surfaces comprise knife bands which are driven by rotation of the textile tow support. In the second embodiment, the cutting surfaces comprise reciprocating knives which are driven by rotation of the textile tow support.