An improved articulated wiper blade assembly includes a wiper blade sub-assembly having a female and male spline portions, and an internal stake located within the spline channel for preventing longitudinal movement of the male spline within the female spline channel while still permitting journaled rotation of the male spline within the female spline. The stake is preferably located adjacent to one end of the wiper blade sub-assembly, whereby the wiper blade sub-assembly can be cut at the opposing end thereof to a shorter length without affecting the stake. The stake extends inwardly from the female spline channel into a transverse notch preformed in the body of the male spline and engages the inner walls of the notch to prevent longitudinal movement in either direction. However, the notch still permits rotation of the male spline around the stake. Additional staked fingers and corresponding notches can be utilized to further prevent longitudinal movement of the male spline. A retainer clip for securing the wiper assembly to the frame is located at one end of the wiper assembly, and the opposing end is shortened to a custom length without adversely affecting the retention stake. A wiper blade refill kit includes the improved articulated wiper blade assembly and further includes a guillotine-like cutting device for cutting the wiper blade assembly. The body portion of the guillotine cutter has an opening with an outer peripheral edge corresponding to the cross-sectional outline of the wiper blade sub-assembly.