Abstract: A device is disclosed for letting out hides which comprises a table having a longitudinally extending slot therein for supporting a hide, clamping jaws movable laterally of the slot to clamp a fold in the hide, and a parting sword raisable into the slot to form a fold in the hide and move it into the space between the jaws. One of the jaws is movable parallel to the longitudinal slot to offset part of the hide after it is cut. The parting sword is made up of a pair of side plates and an intermediate plate. One side plate which is adjacent the lengthwise movable jaw is also movable to facilitate the movement of the hide part therebetween into its offset position and the intermediate plate is movable vertically with respect to the side plates so as to form a slot between the side plates in a lowered position to facilitate cutting of the hide and, to permit the clamping of the hide parts using the clamping jaws, against the intermediate plate, with the intermediate plate raised above the side plates.