Abstract: Bidirectional tear strip means for containers are disclosed, characterized in that the tear strip means are defined by at least three parallel spaced rows of slits or cuts successive pairs of which are arranged in a herringbone pattern for defining therebetween a tear strip, the successive tear strips defined by the rows of slits being operable in opposite tear directions, respectively. Preferably the slits of each row are linear, of equal length, and are equally spaced from each other. The slits of successive rows have the same acute angle -- but are of the opposite sense -- relative to the longitudinal axis of the tear strip defined therebetween. Preferably the slits of one row are longitudinally offset from the slits of the next row. In the preferred embodiment, the tear strips are so defined in the container blank that upon tearing of the tear strip means of the resulting container in either of two directions, the container may be divided in half for ready access to the container contents.