Letter Opener

[Gordon Maney]

I have an old letter opener made by the Marvel company. It works really well. I use it when processing magazine mail.

I am wondering if any of you might know where I could get another one in case this one fails someday.

[Terry Newton]

How does it work, and how well?

I assume it cuts the end off of an envelope?

Another tool with an edge to collect.

[Gordon Maney]

If you look at the picture, you are viewing it from the operator's position. Consider the rectangular shape of the typical envelope; it is the top edge you want to cut. Slide that edge into the slot that is presented as the business end of the device, so to speak, then pull down on the lever on the right. Then, zippo, it slices off a narrow strip of paper from the envelope, effectively opening it.

[Terry Newton]

I need one for my collection now.

[Cheyenne Dave]

I have one of these units, too. It came from the family business, and I used it for years. The only way it can fail is when it gets packed with the cuttings from envelopes. Just remove the screws from the plate on the bottom and clean it all out...a drop of oil here and there and put the cover back on. I suppose the spring could fail, but probably not in your lifetime!

[Gordon Maney]

Spring breakage is actually my only fear...

[Cheyenne Dave]

As I recall, it's a torsion-type spring, it runs almost the whole length of the cutter head. It's been over 20 years since I've looked inside mine, but that's how I remember it. I can't imagine it giving up, but I'm pretty sure you could make another...you handy guy, you!

DAB

[Gordon Maney]

Maybe just out of a carefully selected hickory sapling....

[Cheyenne Dave]

THAT'S the spirit!!

[Bruce]

Gordon,
How long have you had this one, any dates on it? Have you tried doing a google search for the name?

[Gordon Maney]

Bruce, I am sorry, somehow I missed the notification e-mail on your post.... too much mail here sometimes....

No, I have not, but that is a good idea, thank you!