I'm building a diorama in 1/72nd scale and some of the figures that I'm using are on bases. So I would like to know what is the best way to take 1/72nd scale figures off manufactured bases without ruining the figure or the paint job itself?
Thank you.

nap,
that is correct.

Get the right leg out of the stirup
Throw your leg high in a rotating move above the horseback
bent your left knee
get now in the same move your right foot on the ground
get your left feet fom the stirup
you have now dismounted

Alternatively, one could simply let go the reins and gently topple sideways in an ungainly heap

One thing to watch for, when slicing the base off, is that the figure's feet will be a hair thinner, because of the kerf of the blade, even a very thin one. In such a small scale, and installed on a diorama base, it might not be noticeable. But when I used to paint Airfix figures and Atlantic figures, I tried removing the bases, and that was something I noticed-their feet were a lot thinner.

I would use a fresh Nr 2 X-Acto blade, or a razor blade, to do the slicing.

For hard plastic, I would do as Nap says, use a razor saw, but again, the finest one I have in my toolbox, so as to have as small a kerf as possible. I have one from CMK, that I use for removing resin pieces from the pour stubs, for that reason.

Hope that helps, prosit!
Brad

thank you everyone