hobby knife
- noun
- /ˈhɑbi naɪf/
- Specialized
- 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.
- And finally, we'll talk about one of the most common hobby tools out there, the hobby knife.
Examples
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When crafting, a hobby knife is essential for making precise cuts in materials like cardboard.
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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
A tool with a sharp blade and handle used for cutting or as a weapon
A small folding tool with a metal blade that fits into its handle and into a pocket
How Precise
Surface Forms
Morphology
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'.