formariz 11,987 #1 Posted April 19, 2021 This tool has (had) a very specific function. It is not a screwdriver! It was used in a very specific craft nearly extinct today. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff-C175 7,199 #2 Posted April 19, 2021 (edited) Mama used to heat those up on the stove and brand our little bottoms when we was bad little sheep. Our backsides were like LEATHER by the time we were teenagers! Edited April 19, 2021 by Jeff-C175 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,028 #3 Posted April 19, 2021 scraper.....surface plate ? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,987 #4 Posted April 19, 2021 Next to a large (13”) screwdriver for reference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,593 #5 Posted April 19, 2021 Only a guess, but is it something used in wicker weaving or similar? Its not strong enough to be a pry bar and the length is foxing me for other uses. Wondered if it was for opening up gaps to thread in wicker stems. Mick 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,309 #6 Posted April 19, 2021 Very interesting. I've a couple of comedic uses but no notion of actual. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,336 #7 Posted April 19, 2021 Looks like a leather tool of some sort. either that or a very worn out flattened screwdriver! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 7,871 #8 Posted April 19, 2021 Checkering tool? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,028 #9 Posted April 19, 2021 9 hours ago, formariz said: 9 hours ago, formariz said: Surely looks like the end is ground to be a scraper. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,028 #10 Posted April 19, 2021 Bee hive cleaner. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DennisThornton 4,769 #11 Posted April 19, 2021 I collect old tools and not only do I not have one but I have NO idea what it is. Got way more questions than answers... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff-C175 7,199 #12 Posted April 19, 2021 48 minutes ago, DennisThornton said: way more questions I noticed those too. I still think it's a branding iron! Probably from the "Lazy Rectangle Ranch" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,987 #13 Posted April 19, 2021 (edited) A little history of it and hint.It belonged to the happy sailor on the photo. Although no relation to me but the father of a great friend i was chosen to inherit most of his tools that were left to my friend his son. I keep his photo in my shop since his spirit is all around me here. Along with tools I also inherited his lifetime accumulation of brass, bronze, and copper screws, nails, rivets and solid stock. Edited April 19, 2021 by formariz Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff-C175 7,199 #14 Posted April 19, 2021 Tool to help weave loop ends on lines? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,593 #15 Posted April 19, 2021 I thought a marlin spike was the sailors choice of tool for splicing ropes? Could be for helping to feed through individual strands of a big rope when making loops or splices. I tie knots but haven't seen a tool like this in the literature. Could be a blind and its a gunnery tool or even a lever for opening paint tins, sailors spent a lot of time painting various bits of ship as it was like living on the forth bridge. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DennisThornton 4,769 #16 Posted April 19, 2021 Splicing, pushing rope strands or making hammocks? Everything is rounded and somewhat polished on the leading edge, there are no thin, sharp or cutting edges and the handle suggests pushing and the overall length suggests pushing to some depth. Yet none of that explains the marks to me... And if "accumulation of brass, bronze, and copper screws, nails, rivets and solid stock" was meant to be a hint it was wasted on me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,987 #17 Posted April 19, 2021 1 minute ago, DennisThornton said: And if "accumulation of brass, bronze, and copper screws, nails, rivets and solid stock" was meant to be a hint it was wasted on me. Not if one thinks a little harder about those materials and their associations. 4 minutes ago, DennisThornton said: are no thin, sharp or cutting edges and the handle suggests pushing and the overall length suggests pushing to some depth You got something to think about there too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DennisThornton 4,769 #18 Posted April 19, 2021 Marine fasteners but I make no connection with the tool... Considerable length at the end of the blade with very little tapper, but I have no idea why. I'm thinking that if I don't wake up in the middle of the night tonight then this one has gotten me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dan.gerous 2,696 #19 Posted April 19, 2021 It doesnt look like anything I have used before in ropework. However it might have a role in caulking decks and hulls - pushing the rope in before applying tar or whatever into the remaining crack - I have done this but we just used a screw driver if memory serves correctly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DennisThornton 4,769 #20 Posted April 19, 2021 2 minutes ago, Dan.gerous said: It doesnt look like anything I have used before in ropework. However it might have a role in caulking decks and hulls - pushing the rope in before applying tar or whatever into the remaining crack - I have done this but we just used a screw driver if memory serves correctly. Ones I've seen were wider and often used with a mallet but I claim very little knowledge of boat building. I do admire boat builders though! I'd be lost without right angles, plumb and level. I've always tried hard not to have ANY curve in my walls! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,987 #21 Posted April 19, 2021 Does this finalize answer for anyone? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dan.gerous 2,696 #22 Posted April 19, 2021 2 minutes ago, DennisThornton said: Ones I've seen were wider and often used with a mallet but I claim very little knowledge of boat building. I do admire boat builders though! I'd be lost without right angles, plumb and level. I've always tried hard not to have ANY curve in my walls! I am the default carpenter on my ship, and can usually spend most of my trip building or rebuilding things - its a nightmare working on ships, nothing is level, or square and everything has pipework and frames through it, or is poorly built... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DennisThornton 4,769 #23 Posted April 19, 2021 3 minutes ago, Dan.gerous said: I am the default carpenter on my ship, and can usually spend most of my trip building or rebuilding things - its a nightmare working on ships, nothing is level, or square and everything has pipework and frames through it, or is poorly built... A very talented carpenter/builder bought a big fiberglass hull and started to fit it out. Spent years, gave up and finally died. I know that I'm not a boat builder! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff-C175 7,199 #24 Posted April 19, 2021 (edited) 13 minutes ago, formariz said: Does this finalize answer for anyone? Looks like Mama's wig! Edited April 19, 2021 by Jeff-C175 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,711 #25 Posted April 19, 2021 It's a basket weaving tool (straight). Cas, you find the neatest things. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites