The spelling of "putty knife" may seem peculiar to non-native English speakers due to the silent "t" in "putty". However, this is because the "t" is part of the consonant cluster "tt" which represents the voiceless alveolar plosive sound /t/. The word "knife" also includes the silent "k", which represents the voiceless velar stop sound /k/. The phonetic transcription of "putty knife" is /ˈpʌti naɪf/ where the stress is on the first syllable of "putty" and the second syllable of "knife".
A putty knife, also referred to as a glazing knife, is a versatile handheld tool primarily used for applying and removing putty, a versatile substance used for sealing joints, cracks, and holes in various materials, such as wood, glass, or metal. Its usual construction comprises a narrow, flat, and flexible blade affixed to a handle, typically made of wood or plastic. The blade is often made of stainless steel, which ensures durability and resistance to corrosion.
Putty knives are commonly employed in construction, carpentry, and woodworking tasks, as well as in the glazing industry. The flexible blade allows for easy maneuverability and precise application or removal of putty materials. They can efficiently spread putty or other substances onto a surface, ensuring an even coating that effectively fills gaps or imperfections. Moreover, the blade's flat edge facilitates the removal of old or dried putty, paint, or adhesive residue from surfaces, making it an essential tool during renovations or repairs.
The putty knife is also occasionally used outside of its primary applications, such as for scraping paint, cleaning caulk lines, smoothing textures, or even opening cans or containers. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to handle and store, rendering it a dependable tool for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
The word "putty knife" is a compound word that consists of two parts:
1. "Putty": The term "putty" can be traced back to the Middle English word "putte" or "putti", which meant a kind of plaster or dough-like substance used for sealing gaps or filling holes. This Middle English term is derived from Old English "pyttan", which meant "to put" or "to thrust". So, "putty" originally referred to a material that is "put" or "thrust" into gaps or holes for sealing or filling purposes.
2. "Knife": The term "knife" comes from the Old Norse word "knīfr" and Old English word "cnīf", both of which meant a tool or implement used for cutting or a sharp-edged instrument generally. The word "knife" has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning and pronunciation throughout its evolution.