paperknife
Envelope edge cutter
A paperknife is a blunt blade used to slit open envelopes or cut the uncut pages of books.
Before the twentieth century, books were often sold with pages folded but not separated, requiring a paperknife to read them.
Now mostly decorative or used for correspondence: She kept a brass paperknife on her desk.
Also spelled paper knife.
Folded paper enclosure
- correspondenceExchanged written communication
- deskFurniture for writing
- stationeryCorrespondence writing materials
- documentsFormal written records
mail · inbox · secretary · clerical · files · memos · bureaucracy · workspace
Boundary or sharpness
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- steelCarbon-hardened iron alloy
- slicePortion cut off
- slitNarrow elongated opening
incision · cut · handle · grip · pointed · keen · tapered · opener
Assembling pages into volumes
- papercraftMaking things from paper
- scoringEarning points in competition
- foldingBending something over itself
- creasingCreating fold marks
trimming · cutting · parchment · manuscript · vellum · pages · signatures · deckle
envelope
Folded paper enclosure
- correspondenceExchanged written communication
- deskFurniture for writing
- stationeryCorrespondence writing materials
documents · mail · inbox · secretary · clerical · files · memos · bureaucracy · workspace · receptionist
edge
Boundary or sharpness
slit · incision · cut · handle · grip · pointed · keen · tapered · opener · ivory
bookbinding
Assembling pages into volumes
- papercraftMaking things from paper
- scoringEarning points in competition
- foldingBending something over itself
creasing · trimming · cutting · parchment · manuscript · vellum · pages · signatures · deckle · leaflets
paperknifebutcher knife
Heavy blade for meat
cleaver · scalpel · razor · machete · kitchen knife