A rear-pivot-point lever (24), cam-enabled, captured-spring-biased nail trimmer is disclosed. A base plate (12) with a front cutting edge is pivotally connected to a top plate (14) with a front cutting edge (18,20) at a central base pivot point. A spring (34) is captured between the plates in a manner that biases the front cutting edges of the trimmer apart until the trimmer is actuated. The top plate has a rear end for receiving and pivotally cooperating with a cammed actuating lever (24), the front end of which is pushed downward/forward to act against the bias of the spring to close the cutting edges to cut a nail. Because the lever arm pivots at a pivot point or axle at or near the rear end of the trimmer, the thumb and finger(s) of the user are positioned at or near the front of the trimmer during use, and therefore, near the nail being trimmed. This results in stable and non-twisting operation. The lever may be swing around the plates of the trimmer to rest below the bottom plate in a compact configuration.