It's funny that I am even spending time reviewing a $2.00 letter opener but hey they asked so here goes. This letter opener works OK but has a tendency to tear more than slice open envelopes. It has a nice tip so it's easy to get under an envelope's flap but it will start to tear as opposed to slice unless you have exactly the proper angle on it. For the price it works fine. I'll be going back to the X-Acto style opener as soon as it arrives. (My local Staples only carried these rather old-fashioned openers.) If you need something in a pinch and can afford a couple bucks knowing you'll probably throw this out or keep it only as a backup then it's a fine instrument.