Alessi Uselen Paper Knife
18/10 stainless steel letter opener inspired by the proportions of a hummingbird, designed by Giulio Iacchetti
The Alessi Uselen Paper Knife gives opening correspondence a clean, precise tool shaped around the silhouette of a hummingbird. Designed by Giulio Iacchetti, its long tapered tail forms the working edge while the curved body gives you a natural place to hold the piece.
Why Order from Design & Grace
Authorized Alessi retailer: Design & Grace is an authorized Alessi retailer, so you receive a genuine Alessi product with manufacturer warranty coverage.
Ships from Texas: Your Alessi order is carefully packed and shipped from our Texas facility.
A collectible desk design: Uselen turns an ordinary letter opener into a compact stainless steel object with enough presence to leave beside stationery, correspondence, or other desk accessories.
A Hummingbird Reduced to Function
Giulio Iacchetti developed Uselen from the proportions of a hummingbird, simplifying the form through sketches and prototypes until the bird's long tail became the functional paper-opening edge.
The result is immediately recognizable without becoming overly decorative. The narrow profile keeps the tool light and precise, while the curved body makes it easy to pick up and guide along an envelope seam.
Signature Features
Dedicated paper knife: Designed specifically for opening envelopes and correspondence with a controlled slicing motion.
18/10 stainless steel: Gives Uselen a durable all-metal construction with a refined desk-ready finish.
Hummingbird-inspired form: The long tail becomes the working edge while the body provides the grip.
9-inch length: Gives the tool useful reach for opening envelopes while keeping the profile slim and easy to store.
Giulio Iacchetti design: Uselen reflects Iacchetti's interest in reducing recognizable forms until function and image become one object.
Introduced in 2011: Uselen joined the Alessi collection as part of its family of carefully designed office and desktop accessories.
From Our Founder
"Uselen is a good example of how little material a well-designed desk tool really needs. The hummingbird reference is clear, but the long tail is there because it works beautifully as a letter opener."
Tony Boulton, Founder, Design & Grace
Ships from Texas with Confidence
Your Alessi Uselen Paper Knife is carefully packed and shipped from our Texas facility. As an authorized Alessi retailer, Design & Grace provides genuine Alessi products with manufacturer warranty coverage and knowledgeable customer support.