A blade mounting arrangement for mounting a cut off blade (12) in a roll (14) of a shear cut type, cut-off system (10) includes an elastomeric member (30) interposed between the cut off blade (12) and a mounting surface of the roll (14). The elastomeric member (30) is configured and arranged to provide varying resistance to compressive loading, the resistance varying along a portion of the elastomeric member (30). The elastomeric member (30) includes a first resistance portion (51) which engages the cut off blade (12) near the cut off blade's (12) fixed inner portion (12a), and a second resistance portion (52) which underlies the cut off blade (12) near its free edge portion (12b). A third resistance portion (53) is disposed intermediate the first (51) and second (52) portions in joining the first portion (51) to the second portion (52) but configured so as to be maintained out of engagement with the cutt off blade (12).