A method of removing insulation from an electrical cable. The method includes: moving a cutting surface of the insulation cutting blade in a rotary direction relative to the insulation of the cable; cutting the insulation to a defined depth with the cutting surface of the insulation cutting blade as the insulation cutting blade is moved in the rotary direction, the defined depth being less than the thickness of the insulation; moving the cutting surface of insulation cutting blade in a radial direction relative to the insulation of the cable; and cutting the insulation from the defined depth with the cutting surface of the insulation cutting blade as the insulation cutting blade is moved in the radial direction. The entire thickness of the insulation is cut by the combination of the movement of the insulation cutting blade in the rotary direction and in the radial direction.