Abstract: A razor-blade type sharpener for sharpening a writing instrument to provide a frusto-conical tip. The sharpener has a blade carrier that includes a first cutting blade for sharpening the writing instrument to provide a longitudinally tapered portion, and a second cutting blade having a cutting edge extending transversely to the first cutting blade for cutting a distal end of the writing instrument to provide a blunt end portion. Accordingly, the blade carrier is capable of providing a frusto-conical tip having a broad point on a writing instrument, which has been found particularly desirable for crayons. A container for a writing instrument, each including such a blade carrier, are also provided.

Abstract: A paper cutter having a base, a first blade fixedly mounted to the base and a cutting arm pivotally mounted to the base for pivotal motion in a substantially vertical plane and supporting a second blade. The first blade has a cutting edge having a longitudinally extending burr, and is mounted to the base with the burr adjacent the base's side and extending away from the base to cooperate with the second blade for cutting. The burr-edged first blade may be positioned on the base at an angle thereto to better position the burr for acting as the cutting edge. The burr may be formed by stamping the first blade from metal sheet stock, thereby eliminating the need for traditional grinding or other processing steps, and related costs.

Abstract: A paper cutter having a structural safety latch includes a sheet-supporting base having a side bearing a cutting edge. A stud is joined to the base (or cutting arm) and extends laterally therefrom transversely to the cutting edge. A blade-supporting cutting arm is pivotally mounted to the base for pivotal motion in a substantially vertical plane to cut sheets overhanging the cutting edge. The cutting arm (or base) defines a recess for receiving the stud. The recess is positioned for alignment with the stud when the cutting arm is in a closed position relative to the base. In this manner, the cutting arm is vertically moveable for cutting sheet material and laterally moveable for engaging and disengaging the recess with the stud to latch and unlatch the cutting arm when in the closed position. A safety latch for a paper cutter and a method of operating such a paper cutter is also provided.