Paper knife

A paper knife or letter opener, is a knife-like object used to open envelopes or to slit uncut pages of books. Electric versions are also available, which work by using motors to slide the envelopes across a blade. These have the advantage of being able to handle a greater volume of envelopes, but the blade can slice into the contents of the envelope and damage them.

Letter openers may be composed of wood, metal, plastic, sometimes even ivory, or a combination of materials. Some modern openers have a hidden razor blade inside a plastic handle. In any case, the constant cutting of paper will eventually wear down cutting surfaces, requiring either sharpening or replacement.

Conventional letter openers can also be used as a weapon for assault or self-defense, depending on the situation. <br style="clear:both;" clear="all" />

Robert Stewart (Viscount Castlereagh) committed suicide using a letter opener.

Patrick Henry's letter opener

Patrick Henry is famous for making a speech before the Virginia House of Burgesses on March 23, 1775, stating the famous words "Give me Liberty, or give me Death!" After this, he pretended to plunge a letter opener into his chest.

Translation of "Paper knife"

German: Brieföffner, Spanish: Abrecartas, French: Coupe-papier, Dutch: Briefopener, Japanese: ペーパーナイフ, Swedish: Brevkniv, Cantonese: 開信刀, Chinese: 開信刀.