A crosscut paper shredder works by shredding your paper into small rectangles. If you were able to slow a crosscut paper shredder down, you would see that it begins by making about a 2 inch long cut before another cut is made cross wise. In some instances these cuts are made in a cascading pattern making it impossible for someone to reassemble anything remotely resembling your document. The size on the crosscut can vary from model to model and brand to brand. Just keep in mind when shopping for Crosscut Paper Shredders that the smaller the shred is the better for security.