Paper knife
This book accessory became almost obsolete now, but a hundred years ago or so you simply could not be a respectable book owner without owning at least on of these. Most books were published using a technology that required pages to be cut after binding, typically by the reader. Undoubtedly, there was something sentimental about cutting pages of a newly purchased book, as testified by this poem I found in an old magazine:
AN IVORY PAPER-KNIFE
John L. Spalding
O snow-white blade, thou openest for me
So many a page filled with delightful lore
Where deathless minds have left the precious store
Of words that breathe and truth that makes us free.
To hold thee in my hand, or but to see
Thee lying on my desk, O ivory oar,
Waiting to drive my bark to any shore,
Is fortaste of fresh joy and liberty.
Thou bringest dreams of the Dark Continent
Where herded elephants in freedom roam,
Or blow their trumpets when they danger scent,
Or in wide rivers shoot the pearly foam,
Yet art of vital books all redolent,
Where highest thoughts have made themselves a home.
Indeed, ivory was often used for making a paper knife. Bronze, silver and steel were also common. Today paper knives are excellent collectors’ items and a great way to accessorize any home library. And they can still be used for cutting pages of old books that for some reason were left untouched, although this would greatly diminish the value of the books.
An article in Popular Science demonstrates a simple way to improve the look of an old metal paper knife:
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