This study was conducted to investigate the cutting mechanism of reciprocating knife of combine harvester. The cutting operation of reciprocating knife with the arrangement of the low-cutting and the double-cutting was demonstrated through cutting pattern diagram which was drawn by computer graphics. Various kinds and dimensions of reciprocating knives were analyzed using the developed program. The results are summarized as follows (1) The low-cutting type reciprocating knife was represented similar cutting characteristics to the standard type, but the maximum stalk-deflection was decreased as 1/2 level of the standard type. And the first ledger plate should be designed shorter than the second ledger plate. (2) The bunching area and the maximum stalk-deflection for the double cutting knife almost were not changed since cutting velocity ratio of 0.6, but the secondary cut were occurred at ratio of 0.8 and increased rapidly over these ratio. (3) The double cutting knife was recommended for the high speed combine, because its bunching area and the maximum stalk-deflection were decreased as 1/2 level of the standard type. (4) In order to maintain the proper cutting mechanism characterized by the bunching area, the maximum stalk-deflection and the secondary cutting length etc., the adequate cutting velocity at forward speed of 0.5㎧ to 1.2㎧ was from 0.3㎧ to 0.96㎧ for the double cutting knives.