Cutting device for cutting strips from a band of material (8). The cutting device is 'provided with an elongate upper knife (1) and a lower knife (2) that is movable in longitudinal direction along the elongate upper knife (1), for cutting the material (8) by the movement of the lower knife (2) along the upper knife (1). The elongate upper knife (1) can be swivelled to at least substantially abutting contact with the lower knife (2), wherein the swivelling comprises at least a component transverse to the elongate upper knife (1). The.upper knife (1) can be swivelled to against the lower knife (2) by means of an electromotor, in particular a servomotor (5), wherein the upper knife (1) exerts a force on the lower knife (2).
