Vintage Kitchen Gadget Leaves Internet Users Wondering About Its Purpose

William Lyman and the Rotary Cutting Wheel (1870)
A major advancement came in 1870 when William Lyman introduced the rotating cutting wheel. This design significantly simplified the process of opening cans and laid the foundation for modern can openers.

The rotary mechanism allowed users to pierce and cut through the metal in a continuous motion, reducing the risk of sharp, jagged edges and minimizing the strength required.

Lyman’s invention gradually became popular in households, though the transition from lever-style openers to rotary models took time.