Based on the analysis on the working principle of the reciprocating cutter, the cutting performance of the cutter was simulated by Matlab to realize numerical simulation.. Taking the missing region rate and repeated cutting region rate as the cutting performance evaluation standards for the cutter, the effects of different cutting parameters on the cutting performance of the reciprocating cutter were studied, such as cutting edge height, forward speed of the cutter, front axle width and crank angular velocity. By range analysis and analysis of variance, the key factors were determined, which affecting the cutting performance of the reciprocating cutter and degree of significance of these factors. According to results, the crank angular velocity had the highest effect on cutting performance, followed by cutting edge height and forward speed of the cutter, and The impact from front axle width is minimal. These research results provide experimental evidence for designing better reciprocating cutters.