Spotted this U-shaped tool with multiple metal blades in my grandmother’s baking bin. It has a wooden handle but looks like some kind of strange knuckles.

Its ability to quickly and uniformly incorporate cold fat into dry ingredients makes it indispensable in preventing the dough from becoming warm and overworked, which could lead to tough pastries. Its design allows for a gentle touch, crucial for maintaining the desired dough consistency.
9. Modern Alternatives And How They Compare
Today, modern alternatives to the pastry blender include food processors and stand mixers with paddle attachments. These appliances can accomplish similar tasks but with less manual effort.
While these tools offer convenience, they lack the tactile feedback and control a pastry blender provides. Overmixing can occur easily with machines, leading to denser pastries. Many bakers still prefer the traditional pastry blender for its precision and simplicity.
10. Caring For And Displaying A Vintage Pastry Blender