A take-off element (10) for the gentle treatment of thread and for simple handling comprises two parts (11, 12), wherein at least one of said parts is arranged so as to be adjustable in longitudinal direction relative to the other. Whereas one of the parts 11 has a longitudinal slit for receiving a thread, the other part is provided with a head (34) extending on one side away from the shaft (35), the head being movable from the outside to the thread-receiving opening (26) in order to close the opening and away therefrom in order to clear the opening. The head (34) has an oblique surface (37) which is disposed to close the thread-receiving opening (26). The new take-off element (10) does not have a hook and thus does not exhibit any problem regarding process reliability. Its part (12) has a robust slider head, thus avoiding potential deformations on the head. Considering process reliability, the take-off element (10) permits a perfect insertion and removal of the comb thread (25) of a knit fabric.