This article aims to further our understanding of the mechanics of physical weed control, specifically the mechanism of using a cutting blade to cut weeds. Research on weed stem cutting is sparse, so this paper draws on examples of plant stem cutting. It reviews the factors that affect the plant stem cutting process. Among the, Cutting speed, blade sharpness, and moisture content, factors that can easily be controlled, are discussed. The indicators for evaluating the cutting process and the methods for measuring the influencing factors are introduced as well. Finally, different blade designs, examples of the application of mechanisms that affect the cutting process of plant stems are provided. This review argues that, under conditions of high cutting speed, high blade sharpness, and high moisture content, plastic deformation would be reduced and the stems would exhibit brittle material characteristics. This would help to reduce the cutting force and energy, but excessive brittleness can cause stem fragmentation and degrade cutting quality. This paper also lists some possible future research directions. First, friction behavior during the cutting process of fresh plant stems. Another, cutting blade design based on the comprehensive application of cutting speed, blade wedge angle, and sliding cutting angle on the cutting process. At present, the mechanism of plant stem cutting process is still not clear. Further research is needed.