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:

Embossed leather decorates metal paper knife