US Patent 7614255 Cutting needle

The cutting needle (1) according to the invention is, for example, a latch needle and has a knife element (11) secured to the shank (2). The knife element (11) defines a cutting edge (18) which projects obliquely upward from the shank. The knife element (11) is arranged externally of the range of motion of the latch (4) and cuts open a loop situated on the shank when it is overdriven outward. The knife element (11) is made, for example, of a suitable spring steel and is held unremovably on the shank (2).