Letter opener

A device for opening an envelope comprising a cylindrical shaft rotatably mounted at both ends to a base to enable the shaft to rotate between a first and a second position, the base being located adjacent the shaft and extending between the ends of the shaft, actuation means operable on the shaft for rotating the shaft between the first and second positions, an elongate recess located in the shaft substantially in line with the axis of the shaft and having a first cutting blade on an outer edge of the recess, a second cutting blade rigidly secured to the base and positioned to coact with the first cutting blade in a shearing action as the shaft rotates from the first to the second position, the recess having a pre-determined depth enabling an edge of an envelope to be inserted between the first and second blades into the recess to a depth such that upon activation of the actuation means, to rotate the shaft from the first to the second position, a thin sliver is cut from the envelope, the device further comprising clamping means secured to the shaft above the recess, the clamping means having an outer end, supporting an engaging surface which is aligned substantially parallel to the base, which extends over the recess, wherein when the shaft rotates from the first to the second position, the clamping means rotates therewith and clamps a said envelope inserted into the recess between the engaging surface and the base prior to said thin sliver being cut from the envelope.