tool
Penknife
The penknife originally served to cut the tip of a quill pen and to scrape
away ink stains from parchment or paper, like an eraser knife. It has a
narrow, sharp blade measuring between 2.5 cm and 4.5 cm in length. The
penknife is now usually a cutting knife, exceptionally with a replaceable
blade, which is used for all kinds of purposes, including as a nail knife.
A light (approx. 10 g) model, from the Christy Company, contains a blade
that can be slid into the handle in four positions to determine the length
of the blade. In addition to the large blade, many pocket knives also have
a small sharp blade that is used as a pen knife. Not to be confused with
the scalpel. [MOT]