Online users embarked on a digital treasure hunt, attempting to uncover the purpose of a weapon-like item discovered in a kitchen drawer.
While some individuals instantly recognized the vintage tool and recounted tales of their battle scars, others were left puzzled.
Promoted Content
Continue reading to find out more about this useful kitchen gadget!
Recently, an online user posted a picture of an intriguing metal tool with a design that appeared both complex and functional.
“[What is this thing?] I found it while cleaning out my grandma’s house,” one Redditor wrote, inviting others to participate in a digital treasure hunt to identify the strange object. “She had it in her kitchen, and we think it might be some kind of can opener multitool, but we have no clue how it would be used.”
Within a few hours, comments began to flood in. Some users proposed it could be a 19th-century can opener, while others speculated it might serve as a multipurpose tool for fishing or camping. A handful even joked that it could function as a weapon.
Promoted Content
“I’m not an expert on food containers, so I wouldn’t know,” commented one netizen, who quickly abandoned the quest to solve the mystery. Another user shared their theory: “Old school can opener… puncture into the can and lever forward one step at a time to cut the top off.” The comment went on, “It creates great jagged edges that can cut you and leave tiny metal shards in the contents.”
A third user, referencing the tool’s sharp edges, remarked, “I still have a scar from when it slipped and got embedded in my arm when I was younger!!!”
“I’ll never forget [when] this went right through my hand while trying to open a tin,” reminisced another.
This primitive-looking kitchen tool is a vintage can opener that has left many scars on inexperienced users who attempted to access the contents of a can.
Humble can opener
The tale of the can opener starts with the invention of canned food, which came about long before anyone considered an easy way to open it.
In the early days, cans needed a lot of force to be opened, and it wasn’t until 1858 that American inventor Ezra Warner developed a tool specifically for piercing can lids. This opener, which looked like a lever with a curved blade, was somewhat cumbersome but did the job well. It found a significant application among the U.S. military during the Civil War, although it wasn’t very practical for everyday home use.
In 1870, William Lyman transformed the can opener by introducing a rotating cutting wheel, a design that greatly simplified and made the process of opening cans safer. Lyman’s invention set the stage for the can openers we use today, although it still required a bit of skill and strength to handle.
A Brief History of Can Openers
Lever-Type opener (1858): The first design by Ezra Warner, primarily used by the military.
Rotary opener (1870): William Lyman’s creation, which included a cutting wheel.
Keyed cans (1900s): Cans with built-in keys for lifting lids (think of those old sardine cans).
Electric openers (1930s): A large yet groundbreaking step towards automation.
Ergonomic handheld openers (1950s): Designed for ease of use and efficiency.
Today
Can openers have evolved significantly due to advancements in technology, making it easier to open cans! However, many individuals still prefer the traditional design.
“I wanted to purchase a new one, but they seem to be unavailable now,” comments one Facebook user, while another states, “It’s still the best can opener!!”
A different user mentions, “I still own one and use it from time to time. It’s a dangerous tool if not handled correctly.”
So, the next time you come across an unusual item, take a picture and share it with us!
