Apparatus and methods for cutting through a layer of material. Some embodiments pertain to the removal of an orthopedic cast in a manner that is quiet and generates little or no particulate matter. In yet other embodiments there are a pair of toothed wheels that press down and penetrate into the cast and then split the cast by moving it past a sharp edge. In some embodiments the cutting head is reversible for the cutting of material in either of two opposite directions.