Abstract: A drum deheader is adapted for use with a cylindrical drum having a sidewall, a cover at opposite ends of the sidewall and an annular chime joining each cover to the sidewall. A receiver is adapted to be positioned against the sidewall and is engaged with the chime. A slide plate assembly is adapted for vertical sliding movement within the receiver and carries a cutting blade adapted to engage the cover. An elongated handle is pivotally mounted to the receiver for operably moving the cutting blade upwardly and downwardly into and out of cutting engagement with the cover. The invention is improved by a follower and slot arrangement formed in the handle, the receiver and the slide plate for enabling the upward and downward movement of the cutting blade as the operating handle is pivotally moved.