A transfer material or copy paper separating device for use in an electrophotographic copying apparatus which includes a driving mechanism for the transfer material, separating claws adapted to pivotally contact or be spaced away from a photoreceptor surface in timed relation to the movement of the copy paper. Each of the separating claws is formed from a flexible elastic film of polyester or the like and has very short fibers, for example, of nylon, on at least front edge portion thereof, contacting the photoreceptor surface for reducing damage to the photoreceptor surface.