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.

---

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

A paper knife was in his right hand, and its ivory blade was gently tapping the pad of blotting-paper spread out before him.

From The Way of the Strong by Cullum, Ridgwell

For some moments there was silence, broken only by the leisurely swish of Ruth's paper knife.

From Tiny Luttrell by Hornung, Ernest William