Dual inline slitter

An apparatus for slitting a web moving along a path comprises a mounting block adapted to be fixed at a location adjacent to the web path. A guard assembly includes a guard plate secured to rod members projecting from the mounting block. A blade guide is mounted on and shiftable along the rod members, and at least one blade is carried by the blade guide. An actuator serves to shift the blade guide along the rod members between an extended position at which the blade projects in a slitting position beyond the guard plate and into the web path, and a retracted position at which the blade is withdrawn from its slitting position and from the web path to a position where it is shielded from exposure by the guard plate.