Letter opener

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A letter opener, or paperknife, 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.

Conventional letter openers can also be used as a weapon for assault or self-defense, depending on the situation.

[edit] 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. <ref>Kukla, Amy, Kukla, Jon (2002). Patrick Henry: Voice of the Revolution. PowerPlus Books, Pages 45-46. ISBN 0-8239-5725-X.</ref>