paper knife

American  

noun

1. a small, often decorative, knifelike instrument with a blade of metal, ivory, wood, or the like, for slitting open envelopes, the leaves of books, folded papers, etc.

2. the blade of a paper cutter.

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Etymology

Origin of paper knife

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

He found it quite easy to get around in Manhattan until he asked for a "paper knife."

From Time Magazine Archive

A discomfiting distinction between a "paper knife" and a "paper cutter."

From Time Magazine Archive

Then he took his ivory paper knife and carefully slit it open.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

He was sitting quite upright in his chair, the fingers of his right hand toying lazily with an ancient paper knife, fashioned of yellow ivory.

From The Wicked Marquis by Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips)

For a second he looked at his desk and moved a paper knife very careful, as if it was precious and he was afraid of breaking it.

From Miss Maitland Private Secretary by Bonner, Geraldine