A precision micro taxidermy cutting instrument is provided which includes a single hold tailless frame member to which a pivotable body member is attached. The body member can provide a blade element which is concave and through which a lifting edge which cuts and a retention edge which cuts can both combine to provide a centering feature. This centering feature can be enhanced by blade body designs which also center through the use of an offset concave element. A chisel element can separate the hide from the viscera and through the selection of appropriate angles and the like, a continuous and precise cut can be made in taxidermy operations. The frame member can include a thumb rest as well as a rotational restraining element which are diametrically opposed and which can present roughly orthogonal forces. Flared separators can be included on the blade body member to further enhance the operation of the device. The open design, trademark named the nullFlying Eaglenullnull feature is also provided through a variety of releasable locking mechanisms which permit pivoting and locking in place at various locations.