Abstract: A device for opening envelopes which comprises a rotatable shaft having an elongate recess in line with the axis of the shaft. A first cutting blade is located on the top edge of the recess and a second cutting blade is secured to a base which supports the shaft. The first and second blades are positioned such that they co-act in a shearing action on rotation of the shaft. To open an envelope, the edge of the envelope is positioned within the recess and the shaft is rotated causing the blades to co-act resulting in a sliver being cut from the envelope.