A feed mechanism for can ends having curled, peripheral edge portions includes means for disposing a multiplicity of can ends in a stack, and gate means for providing underlying support for the ends disposed in said stacking means and for individually releasing ends therefrom. The gate means employs a pair of blades to successively separate the lowermost end from the stack, each of which blades is configured and adapted to provide smooth separation of the ends, and avoid damage thereto. The mechanism is particularly suited for high-speed operation.