A small screwdriver, slipped under the connector was enough to loosen the clip, and allow me to pry it free. After the cable was split, a little bit of electrical tape wrapped around the joint, should be sufficient to protect it. Removing the internal connectors from the floppy cable. Run the tip of the pen over the top of the cable and count the 'number of bumps' and then mark off the appropriate position. Doing it this way is much easier than trying to do it visually - especially if you are the kind of person who can't thread a needle.
Preparation makes the job much easier.
Now that the cable is marked out, its time to attack it with the blade - I found the simplest way is to not actually 'cut' or 'hack' at the cable. Instead, rest the tip of the blade in the valley you've marked between the wires, and push it through the cable and into the chopping board. Now use your other hand to slowly push the cable upward, and make a small slit between the two wires. Gentle upward pressure should slice the weak point between the two wires. Continue along and cut a small slit between the wires where you have marked.