Every now and then, a mysterious object pops up on social media — and it sends the internet into detective mode.
That’s exactly what happened when a photo of a strange, old-fashioned kitchen tool started circulating.
It’s small.
It has prongs.
And it looks like something between a fork and a claw.
Thousands of people guessed everything from a gardening gadget to an antique hair curler!
The Real Identity Will Surprise You
This odd-looking tool is actually a vintage butter curler — popular in the 1940s and 50s.
Back when presentation mattered just as much as taste, hosts used this to make delicate, ribbon-like curls of butter for guests. Fancy, right?
The curved blade scrapes across a block of cold butter, creating beautiful spirals to serve on bread plates.
Did Your Grandmother Have One?
If you ever peeked into your grandmother’s kitchen drawers, chances are you’ve seen one of these — and maybe didn’t even realize what it was!
Nowadays, newer versions are sold online, but the originals still hold that old-school charm.
Would You Use It?
Would you bring this retro tool back into your kitchen? Or is it best left in the past?
Either way, one thing’s for sure — the butter curler is a tiny reminder of how creative kitchens used to be.
Q: Is a butter curler still useful today?
Yes! It’s great for butter, cheese, and even soft chocolate shavings for desserts.
Q: Where can I buy one?
Vintage stores, eBay, and even some specialty kitchenware shops still carry them.
Q: Does it work with margarine or only real butter?
It works best with firm butter, but can be used on any chilled spread.
