What is a Blade Protection Strip or a Cutter Protection Strip ??? The blade protection strip, also known as a cutter protection strip, is a thin plastic or teflon ribbon that runs the width of the vinyl cutter under the blade. This strip is designed to protect the blade and the other related parts in the case of the force being set too deep. Rahter than destroying the blade and blade holder, the strip accepts the damage and is easily replaced.

Common symptoms of a damaged blade protection strip: Perforated cuts, blade seems to bounce while cutting, cuts too deep in some spots while not deep enough in others.