What is "paper knife"

n. dull knife used to cut open the envelopes in which letters are mailed or to slit uncut pages of books [syn: letter opener, paperknife]

A paper knife or letter opener is a knife-like object used to open envelopes or to slit uncut pages of books. An electric version is also available, which uses motors to slide the envelopes across a blade, and is also able to handle increased amounts of envelopes, but the blade can slice into the contents of the envelope and damage them.

Letter openers may be designed from wood, metals such as stainless steel or pewter , plastic, sometimes even ivory, or a combination of materials. Often the style of the handle is embellished or styled more so than the blade. Some modern openers have a retractable razor blade inside a plastic handle.