A station for cutting a barb suture is provided. The barb cutting station includes a suture transport assembly (200) for supporting a first suture (10), a first knife assembly (300) for forming barbs on the first suture, and a first clamp and position assembly (400) for approximating the at least first suture towards the at least first knife assembly. The barb cutting station may further include at least a first suture cutting mechanism (600) configured for severing the at least first suture when a defect is detected. The station may also include at least a first visual inspection assembly (500) configured for detecting defective barbs.
