A vintage kitchen tool recently sparked a lively online debate after being shared in a Reddit post. The mysterious metal object, found while cleaning out a grandmother’s house, puzzled many with its sharp, almost weapon-like design. Theories ranged from a 19th-century can opener to a camping gadget or even a makeshift weapon. The mystery was eventually solved by older users who recognized it as an early can opener—a notoriously hazardous device that required strength and precision to use. Many recalled painful memories, including cuts and scars, caused by the jagged edges these openers often left behind. One user described the process as “punching into the can and levering it forward step by step,” a far cry from today’s effortless can-opening experience.

The invention of the can opener itself dates back to 1858, when Ezra Warner introduced the first dedicated model, mainly used by the U.S. military. While effective, it was far from safe. A major improvement came in 1870 when William Lyman invented a version with a rotating cutting wheel, making the tool safer and easier to use. Over time, enhancements like electric and ergonomic models transformed the can opener into a modern kitchen staple. Still, the old designs continue to inspire nostalgia—and caution. Some users even claim to still use them, despite their dangers. Whether remembered for the scars they left or the meals they made possible, vintage can openers remain a fascinating part of culinary history.