A lino (linoleum) knife is a small knife with a short, curved blade.
The shape of the blade allows the user to hold the knife comfortably, providing clearance for the fingers as the hooked point scores the material being worked on.
This means the knife can be held vertically or horizontally depending on the space you are working in and how tough the material is that you are cutting.
The curved blade helps reduce the amount of effort the user would waste by having to continuously press the blade to cut or score with a straight-bladed knife.
This type of tool is mainly used for cutting linoleum, a floor covering made from natural materials.
Linoleum is usually produced from linseed oil, ground cork, rosin (a resin that come from pine trees) or wood flour, and has a canvas backing.
Lino knives are also used to cut vinyl, veneer and carpet.