It was on UK TV late at night in the late 80s. It was an 80s US film. I'm sure it came with a warning before it began that it would be tough viewing and they were right. I recall watching up to the point at the beginning where a family have been kidnapped and cloth or plastic bags put over their heads and tied up and one of the kidnappers then graphically starts sticking a knife in their necks. I turned off after that. Always wondered what it was.

Is it going to be difficult to pin this one down? This opening scene was so hideous though.

Sounds like One False move to me, with Bill Paxton and Billy Bib Thornton.
The scene your on about is Thornton at the start....

Thanks. I will check out one flase move to see it thats it.