While some people immediately recognized the vintage tool and shared stories about their battle wounds, others were left scratching their heads.
Keep reading to learn more about this handy kitchen tool!Not too long ago, an online user shared a photo of a curious metal tool with a design that seemed both intricate and practical.
“[What is this thing?] Found it while cleaning out grandma’s house,” writes one Redditor, inviting online users to join a digital treasure hunt in identifying the peculiar object. “She had it in her kitchen, we assume it is some sort of can opener multitool but have no idea how it would be used.”
Within hours, comments poured in. Some users suggested it might be a 19th-century can opener, while others thought it could be a multipurpose tool for fishing or camping. A few even joked that it could double as a weapon.
“I’m not a food container expert so I wouldn’t know,” writes one netizen, who quickly gave up on solving the mystery. A second shared their guess: “Old school can opener…puncture into can and lever forward one step at a time to cut the top off.” The comment continues, “Makes great jagged edges you can cut yourself on and get tiny metal shards into the contents.”
A third, referring to the sharp edges of the tool, shares, “Still have a scar where it slipped and embedded in my arm when younger!!!”
I’ll never forget [when] this went right through my hand trying to open tin,” recalls another.
The primitive looking kitchen tool is a vintage can opener that left many scars on unskilled users who tried to free the contents of a can.
Humble can opener
The story of the can opener begins with canned food, which was invented long before anyone thought about how to open it easily.
Early cans required brute force to open, and it wasn’t until 1858 when American inventor Ezra Warner created a tool designed to pierce the lids of cans. Resembling a lever with a curved blade, this opener was clunky but effective. It was widely used by the U.S. military during the Civil War, but it wasn’t practical for home use.
In 1870, William Lyman revolutionized the can opener with a rotating cutting wheel, a design that made opening cans much easier and safer. Lyman’s invention laid the groundwork for modern can openers, though it still required some skill and strength to operate.
Can openers through history
- Lever-Type opener (1858): The original design by Ezra Warner, used mainly by the military.
- Rotary opener (1870): William Lyman’s design, featuring a cutting wheel.
- Keyed cans (1900s): Built-in keys for rolling back lids (think old sardine cans).
- Electric openers (1930s): A bulky but innovative leap into automation.
- Ergonomic handheld openers (1950s): User-friendly and efficient.
Today
Can openers have come a long way thanks to technology, which has simplified the way we break into cans ! But many people still swear by the old design.
“Wanted to buy a new one, you cannot find them now,” writes one Facebooker, while a second shares, “Still the best can opener!!”
Another user adds, “I still have one and use it on occasion. Dangerous bugger if not used properly.”
