Clipper assemblies include a clipper body with a die support holding at least one clip die; and a knife cylinder with a downwardly extending rod, the knife cylinder attached to the clipper body above the clip die. The clipper assemblies also include a knife plate having a body with a perimeter with a first portion pivotably attached to the rod and a second portion pivotably attached to the clipper body below the clip die. The knife plate holds a knife which extends outward from a side of the knife plate a distance between about 1-2 inches, at an angle of between 80-110 degrees (measured from a line drawn parallel to the side from which the knife extends outward from). In operation, the knife is configured to either: (a) move upward to cut respective clipped packages or (b) move downward to cut respective clipped packages.