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Glite Dictionary
hobby knife

hobby knife

3.8
A small sharp tool with a replaceable blade that you use in crafts for precise cutting
  • noun
  • /ˈhɑbi naɪf/
  • Specialized
: cuchillo de precisión
  • He relied on a sharp hobby knife to cut intricate shapes from the thick paper.

And finally, we'll talk about one of the most common hobby tools out there, the hobby knife.

Examples

  • When crafting, a hobby knife is essential for making precise cuts in materials like cardboard.

  • I took the piece home, expecting that maybe I could cut the rest of the way through with a hobby knife and jeweler's saw.

    Blog text (13)

  • For detailed work on my model, I carefully used a hobby knife to trim the edges of the plastic parts.

Synonyms

knife
vshobby knife
  • NSFW
∞ 1.0

A tool with a sharp blade and handle used for cutting or as a weapon

focuses on small size and precision for arts and crafts rather than general use
pocket knife
vshobby knife
12 2.2

A small folding tool with a metal blade that fits into its handle and into a pocket

is for very precise craft cutting using replaceable blades

How Precise

scalpel
  • Specialized
71 4.2
hobby knife
  • Specialized
3.8
knife
  • NSFW
∞ 1.0
cutter
67 2.5

Surface Forms

hobby knife singular
hobby knives plural

Morphology

hobby + knife

The meaning 'a knife for hobbies/crafts' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'hobby' (leisure activity) with 'knife' (cutting tool). This type of noun–noun compounding (purpose/associated-use) is common in English and other languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Hobby knife paints a clear picture: a small knife made for a hobby like model making or papercraft, where someone uses a tiny sharp blade to cut fine parts. So, it means 'a small, sharp knife used for careful cutting in arts and crafts'.