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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

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

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

Uncut edges have not been trimmed in any way, though they may have been opened with a paper knife.

From Library Bookbinding by Bailey, Arthur Low

Slipping the ivory blade of the paper knife quickly beneath the flap of the envelope, she cut it open.

From The Film of Fear by Foster, Will