I realized the other day that I dont know how to open an envelope.
Well, thereisa better way.
The key is in the design of envelope flaps.
This piece of design ingenuity is at the root of all letter-opening methods.
Method one: The finger-across method
Tear the corner of the flap upwards.
Insert finger under flap.
Pull across horizontally, tearing the envelope open.
Method two: The vertical tear
Tear the corner of the flap upwards
Pulldownwardsto initiate the envelope.
And this is where the letter opener comes in.
These dagger-like, single-purpose tools are an extravagance, but like their name suggests, theyaregood for opening letters.
Its their whole deal.
Method one: Traditional letter opener
Tear the corner of the envelope flap upwards.
Insert the blade into the flap and shove it all the way in horizontally.
In a single motion, tear upwards.
Most letter-opening professionals recommend you dont sharpen your letter opener.
Youre notslicingthe envelop open; youre tearing it, but with a tool.
That way you wont leave a sharp edge that could give you a paper cut.
(Thats whatthis guy on YouTube saysanyway, and hes really into his letter opener.
I mean, likereallyinto it.)
The first is to use a blade of the scissors as if it was a letter opener.
But dont use the sharp partkeep the scissors closed.
Remember:tearing,not cutting.
A butter-knife would do in a pinch.
Ultimately, you’ve got the option to open your mail however you want.
Theres no mail police.
Oh, wait, there is amail police.
But there are lots of methods involving steam and freezing you could research on the internet.
