paperknives
Envelope-opening blades
Paperknives is the plural of paperknife, a blade-shaped tool used to slit open envelopes or cut the uncut pages of books.
Before the mid-twentieth century, books were often sold with pages that were folded but not trimmed, requiring a paperknife to separate them for reading.
The tool typically has a dull blade and decorative handle, making it more of a desk accessory than a cutting instrument.
She kept an ivory paperknife on her writing desk.
Folded paper enclosure
- letterWritten symbol or message
- correspondenceExchanged written communication
- mailPostal system items
- stationeryCorrespondence writing materials
seal · flap · parchment · invitation · postcard · document · manila · gummed
Flat cutting edge
- edgeBoundary or sharpness
- slitNarrow elongated opening
- slicePortion cut off
- scoreNumerical standing in competition
incision · sharp · keen · pierce · trim · crease · fold · precision
Correspondence writing materials
- organizerArrangement tool or person
- suppliesResources for a task
- clipsAttaches or excerpts
- staplerDevice binding paper sheets
opener · blotter · tray · inbox · accessories · tools · correspondence · documents
Old valued collectible
- ornamentalFor beauty, not function
- decorativeServing to beautify
- ivoryTusk-derived material
- silverLustrous white precious metal
brass · bone · mother-of-pearl · engraved · heirloom · vintage · filigree · art nouveau
Legally or morally required
- manuscriptOriginal text before publication
- vellumPrepared calfskin for writing
- folioSingle-fold page format
- leatherTanned animal skin
gilding · marbling · signature · codex · trimming · parchment · quire · gathering
Sculptural paper-creasing art
- scrapbookingCreating decorated keepsake albums
- kirigamiCut-and-fold paper sculpture
- scoringEarning points in competition
- creasingCreating fold marks
folding · cardmaking · decoupage · collage · layering · die-cutting · embossing · perforating
envelope
Folded paper enclosure
- letterWritten symbol or message
- correspondenceExchanged written communication
- mailPostal system items
stationery · seal · flap · parchment · invitation · postcard · document · manila · gummed · package
blade
Flat cutting edge
score · incision · sharp · keen · pierce · trim · crease · fold · precision · clean cut
stationery
Correspondence writing materials
stapler · opener · blotter · tray · inbox · accessories · tools · correspondence · documents · memos
antique
Old valued collectible
- ornamentalFor beauty, not function
- decorativeServing to beautify
- ivoryTusk-derived material
silver · brass · bone · mother-of-pearl · engraved · heirloom · vintage · filigree · art nouveau · objet d'art
binding
Legally or morally required
- manuscriptOriginal text before publication
- vellumPrepared calfskin for writing
- folioSingle-fold page format
leather · gilding · marbling · signature · codex · trimming · parchment · quire · gathering · tooling
origami
Sculptural paper-creasing art
- scrapbookingCreating decorated keepsake albums
- kirigamiCut-and-fold paper sculpture
- scoringEarning points in competition
creasing · folding · cardmaking · decoupage · collage · layering · die-cutting · embossing · perforating · punching