Vintage kitchen tool baffles online users

In order to determine the function of a weapon-like object discovered in a kitchen drawer, internet users embarked on a digital treasure hunt.

Some were left perplexed, while others recognized the antique tool right once and related tales of their combat injuries.

To find out more about this useful cooking equipment, continue reading!

A snapshot of an odd metal tool with a design that appeared both complex and useful was recently shared online by a user.

[What is this object?] One Redditor adds, “I found it while cleaning out grandma’s house,” and invites internet users to participate in a virtual treasure hunt to identify the odd item. “We believe it is a multitool can opener because she had it in her kitchen, but we’re not sure how to use it.”

Comments began to stream in within hours. Some users speculated that it might be a can opener from the 19th century, while others believed it might be a versatile fishing or camping gear. Some even made jokes about it being a weapon.

One netizen soon gave up on trying to figure out the puzzle, writing, “I’m not a food container expert so I wouldn’t know.” “Old school can opener…puncture into can and lever forward one step at a time to cut the top off,” was the estimate offered by a second person. “Makes great jagged edges you can cut yourself on and get tiny metal shards into the contents,” the comment goes on.

A third says, “I still have a scar where it slipped and embedded in my arm when I was younger!!!” in reference to the tool’s sharp edges.

Another remembers, “I’ll never forget [when] this went right through my hand trying to open tin.”

The rudimentary-looking kitchen item is a vintage can opener that caused numerous injuries to inexperienced users who attempted to open a can.

The humble can opener

The origins of the can opener may be traced back to the invention of tinned food, which existed long before anyone considered an easy way to open it.

It took physical force to open early cans, and it wasn’t until 1858 that American inventor Ezra Warner produced a tool for puncturing can lids. This opener, which looked like a lever with a curved blade, was awkward but functional. Although it wasn’t practicable for domestic usage, the US military made extensive use of it during the Civil War.

William Lyman transformed the can opener in 1870 by adding a revolving cutting wheel, which greatly simplified and secured the process of opening cans. Although it still took considerable strength and skill to operate, Lyman’s invention set the foundation for contemporary can openers.

Historical can openers
Ezra Warner created the original lever-type opener in 1858, which is mostly utilized in the military.
William Lyman created the rotary opener with a cutting wheel in 1870.
Keyed cans: reminiscent of vintage sardine cans, these cans include built-in keys for rolling back the lids.
The 1930s saw the invention of electric openers, a large yet creative step toward automation.
1950s ergonomic portable openers: effective and easy to use.

Today

Thanks to technology, can openers have advanced significantly, making it easier to open cans! However, many people continue to adhere to the outdated design.

One Facebook user says, “Wanted to buy a new one, you cannot find them now,” while another comments, “It’s still the best can opener!!”

“I still have one and use it on occasion,” adds another user. If not utilized appropriately, this bugger can be dangerous.

Therefore, take a picture and send it to us the next time you come across an odd object!