Modern Letter Openers

It has started: the rush of holiday mail mixed with dry hands equals papercuts. This is the time of year we rely on our trusty old letter opener, the one we've had since high school graduation complete with an engraved "H". Who else uses letter openers - now or all year round? Have a great one or just any old one? We spotted these modern versions, and although we like them, we don't have the heart to upgrade...

Above: the silver letter opener available at See Jane Work for $7.95.

Intended for group gifting, this Beau Coup letter opener is good for bridal parties, holiday gifts, or co-workers. Because of the focus on gifts for groups, the minimum purchase amount is four. Made of aluminum, polished to a satin finish, $20 each.

Comments (10)

My parents have a great one that is made of wood. It is so lightweight and works wonderfully.

posted by Aaron on December 12th 2007 at 11:15am
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I have a great antique one that I use all year.

posted by miyagisan on December 12th 2007 at 11:54am
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I have a pretty museum company one that I use all the time at work and one of those office-supply-store-razor-blade ones that I use at home.

posted by lizaboo on December 12th 2007 at 12:21pm
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I often can't find mine, so I use a sandwich knife. Works just as well.

posted by justlikelead on December 12th 2007 at 12:48pm
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I use my letter opener daily. It feels nice in my hand - I enjoy picking it every time I use it. Currently, it is out on my desk as functional art.

I'm definitely putting letter openers, especially like those above, on my "affordable gifts that work for almost anyone" list. I can't believe I haven't thought of them before.

posted by Jen C on December 12th 2007 at 1:28pm
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I have the modern letter opener from See Jane Work. I was searching for a lovely modern opener for quite some time when I found it. I agree, it would me a splendid gift. I love mine.

posted by colellis on December 12th 2007 at 1:58pm
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I have an old metal one that had an old, defunct company name on the handle. Belonged to an elderly grandmother of good family friends who died years ago and I've had it virtually ever since and use it all the time.

posted by ciddyguy on December 12th 2007 at 2:27pm
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My parents always used letter openers, but I never picked up the habit. I have two ivory letter openers, which I know is WRONG, but... One my mother bought in China, which was the last trip she took before she passed away, so it is special in that way. It has a row of tiny elephants carved in it. The other was given to me by a fellow volunteer. I don't even remember what country she visited, but I thought it was nice that she brought us all a present. It has a tiny row of camels carved in it. I don't use them - I just have them on the desk and enjoy looking at them.

posted by jellyknits on December 12th 2007 at 3:30pm
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My husband makes lovely letter openers with wooden handles so I use one every day when I open the mail.

posted by fairgirl on December 12th 2007 at 7:16pm
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If I were to have a letter opener, it would positively have to be an antique dagger still stained with the blood spilled when I defended my virtue on the night train across the Orient...

... so I don't. Many of the weird gaps in my homemaking probably come from demanding too much of my accessories.

posted by wende in the twin cities on December 13th 2007 at 5:05am
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