An apparatus for cutting a food product is disclosed including a stationary structure (40) with a food product guide surface (22a) for guiding a food product along a path of travel. The apparatus comprises a rotary knife wheel (32) having at least one knife blade (38). The knife wheel (32) is located such that its rotation about a knife wheel axis (34) causes the knife blade (38) to cut through the food product. The apparatus further includes a knife wheel support (42) pivotally attached to the stationary support (40) which rotatably supports the knife wheel (32); a plurality of adjustable stripper plates (60) having an adjusting mechanism (62, 80) to facilitate adjustment of the distance between the stripper plates (60) and the food guide surface (22a) so as to accommodate food products of varying thicknesses.