A cutting assembly includes a knife assembly having a knife holder and a knife blade, a counter knife, and a scoring tip holder. In one arrangement, the counter knife is secured to a ring strander drum, the knife holder and scoring tip holder are carried by a clamping element, and knife blade is disposed between the counter knife and the knife holder. In a closed position, the clamping element causes the knife and scoring tip holders to generate a compressive force against the counter knife, thereby securing the knife blade within the cutting assembly. In an open position, the clamping element positions the knife and scoring tip holders in a spaced relationship relative to the counter knife, thereby allowing removal of the knife blade from the cutting assembly. Accordingly, an operator can replace the knife blade in the cutting assembly without having to remove the entire cutting assembly from the ring strander device.