Online users recently went on a digital treasure hunt after someone shared a photo of a strange, weapon-like tool discovered in a kitchen drawer. While some instantly recognized the vintage item, others were puzzled by its unusual design. The mystery began when a Reddit user posted a picture of the metal tool found while cleaning out their grandmother’s house. “What is this thing?” they asked, guessing it might be some kind of old multitool or can opener. Within hours, the internet jumped in with theories.
Some believed it was a 19th-century can opener, while others joked it looked more like a weapon than a kitchen utensil. Several users who recognized the tool shared personal stories — including scars from accidental slips while using it. One commenter described how the sharp edge once cut their hand while opening a can, highlighting how dangerous early designs could be.
Eventually, the mystery was solved: the object was a vintage can opener, an early tool used to puncture and pry open cans before modern designs made the task safer and easier. The history of the can opener dates back to 1858, when American inventor Ezra Warner created a lever-style opener for military use.
Later, in 1870, William Lyman introduced the rotating cutting wheel, which became the foundation for modern can openers. Today, can openers are far safer and more user-friendly. Still, some people remain nostalgic about the old design, remembering it as simple, effective — and sometimes a little dangerous.
