RE: Can I cut Goldtips from the back?
What type GT's are they?
If they're GT nocks they should either be their standard "loc-nock" or some other press in style.
You'll know if they're loc-nocks if you see a hole in the center of them.....this leads to a small allen screw that "locks" the nock tight to the shaft. Loosen this and pull them out.
The only thing that determines front and back on a carbon shaft is where they put the label. You can cut from either end, and if you are building them from scratch I would recommend cutting evenly from BOTH ends before you install the components.