FIELD: sheet material cutting equipment. SUBSTANCE: reciprocating cutter has lower part with front cutting edge and rear body carrier power part with two parallel sides. Front cutting part has first, second, third and fourth sides defining facets. First facet is positioned in base plane extending in parallel with and midway between side generatrices of body. Fourth facet is positioned in common plane with one generatrix side of body. Second facet is inclined with respect to base midway plane and is positioned between one side of cutter body and first facet and intersects it to define cutting edge. Third facet of cutting part is inclined toward base plane and is extending from front side of first cutting facet to other side of cutter body. At least first cutting facet is coated with very hard material. Method involves periodical resharpening of cutter second facet. Such cutter embodiment and operation method provide formation of cutting edge from above mentioned very hard material layer, with position of cutting edge in midway base plane being permanently maintained during full service life. Transverse forces applied to cutting blade in the process of cutting are completely compensated. EFFECT: increased efficiency, simplified construction, prolonged service life and enhanced reliability in operation. 6 cl, 9 dwg
