electrodes for connection to a bipolar RF energy power supply. More specifically, the tissue cutting apparatus of the present invention comprises a pair of blades joined for relative movement in a scissor-like action between open and closed positions. Each of the blades has a tissue contacting surface for contacting the tissue therebetween as the blades close during the cutting action. The tissue contacting surface of at least one and preferably both blades includes first and second spaced-apart electrodes which extend along the tissue contacting surface and are connectable to a voltage source, such as a high frequency bipolar RF power supply, for applying a voltage between the electrodes. As a result, current flows between the first and second electrodes of the blade to promote hemostasis in the tissuethe prior patents discussed above. In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, the scissor shaft, which extends between the blades and an actuator handle, may itself be a conductor for connecting the first electrode of each blade to one terminal of a voltage source, and a single insulated conductor extending along the shaft may be used to connect the second electrode of each blade to the other terminal of the voltage source. Further, where the first electrode defines the cutting edge and shearing surface and also serves as the main structural element of each blade, relatively little force is exerted on the second electrode during cutting. As a result, a special high strength or high precision bonding process between the first and second electrodes is unnecessary,