When someone posted a photo of a strange metal tool found in their grandmother’s kitchen, the internet lit up with speculation. Shared on Reddit, the object resembled a small weapon—sharp, curved, and clearly designed for heavy use. Users tossed out guesses: a bottle opener, a camping gadget, or even something sinister. The post quickly went viral, not just because of the mystery, but because so many people remembered seeing something like it tucked away in an old drawer.

Eventually, the mystery was solved when older Redditors identified the item as an early can opener. Before the invention of modern kitchen gadgets, opening canned food was a dangerous task. Users recounted stories of childhood injuries and near-misses as they tried to punch through thick tin lids with these crude tools. It was a labor-intensive process that required careful handling, brute strength, and a bit of courage—not the twist-and-lift convenience we’re used to today.

Historically, can openers came long after canned food. In the early 1800s, people used hammers and chisels to get into their canned meals. The first true can opener wasn’t invented until 1858 by Ezra Warner, whose curved-blade lever was used mainly by soldiers in the Civil War. But Warner’s design still posed serious risks. A safer breakthrough came in 1870 with William Lyman’s rotating wheel opener, followed decades later by electric models and modern hand-held versions with improved safety features.

Despite technological improvements, some people still prefer these vintage tools for their rugged efficiency—even if they come with a few scars. Collectors say they’re hard to find now, making them a nostalgic piece of kitchen history. That strange, intimidating device once seen as a mystery has become a symbol of old-school ingenuity—and a reminder of just how far we’ve come in the art of opening a can.