Mystery in a Small Case: What Was This Ingenious Tool Used For?

source: Reddit

This small yet ingenious device is a Siemens razor blade sharpener from an era when disposability was unheard of, and people took pride in maintaining their belongings for as long as possible. Found in a house built in 1914, this sharpener speaks to a time when shaving was a ritual, and quality tools were cherished.

The sharpener is compact, with a small case and a distinctive red cord. The two brass pins inside the sharpener spin when the cord is pulled, causing a mounted blade to rotate back and forth against sharpening surfaces. This motion would gently hone the edges of a reusable razor blade, helping to extend its life. For decades, this device was a cost-effective way to maintain blades and avoid the expense of constantly buying new ones.

source: WorthPoint