Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: GaryD on January 07, 2017, 05:38:08 PM

Title: unknown cutting tool
Post by: GaryD on January 07, 2017, 05:38:08 PM
Found this unknown tool at a yard sale with some very old farm tools.  What makes it odd is the cutting edges on top-- where the foot step would normally be for a potato fork or the like.  Could find nothing like it on internet searches.  Anyone seen or used one of these?  The handle looks newer (replaced) than the fork.  Maybe for ice?
Title: Re: unknown cutting tool
Post by: p_toad on January 07, 2017, 05:44:27 PM
looks like it's for ripping shingles off a roof and cuts them coming and going...
Title: Re: unknown cutting tool
Post by: GaryD on January 07, 2017, 05:47:44 PM
That sounds very likely.  Had not thought of that.
Title: Re: unknown cutting tool
Post by: Bill Houghton on January 07, 2017, 08:12:56 PM
Sounds like a prospect.  Here's a modern version:
(http://www.thehardwarecity.com/images2/2000388.jpg)
The tearoffs I've done, I just use a flat shovel.  Works a treat, and you can scoop up the shingles with the shovel and drop them in the chute into the truck.  This tool looks like it would call for two steps: rip shingles, load shingles.
Title: Re: unknown cutting tool
Post by: john k on January 07, 2017, 08:21:04 PM
For shingles makes sense,  could also be a hay knife.   For cutting hay from a haymow were it is pressed down,  sharp on the back stroke would keep it from getting stuck in the hay pile.  Have two versions, not like this though.
Title: Re: unknown cutting tool
Post by: Catch22! on January 07, 2017, 10:10:49 PM
A number of possibilities.  Roof shingle shovel is a potential.

Hay cutter is another

And a Root shovel is another

Here is probably one that is close.  It is called a shark tine spade by Dewitt.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/561753753499618306/
Title: Re: unknown cutting tool
Post by: GaryD on January 07, 2017, 10:26:59 PM
I like the hay cutter idea.  This tool has no angle or bend to slide under shingles.  Could even cut baled hay with cutting on upstroke maybe.  The blades are quite sharp.
Title: Re: unknown cutting tool
Post by: john k on January 08, 2017, 12:36:33 AM
That second tool pictured with the 3 pointed blades, is a hay knife, got some just like it.  Some actually had sickle mower sections riveted in. 
Title: Re: unknown cutting tool
Post by: mikeswrenches on January 08, 2017, 06:00:03 AM
I believe it is an ice chipper. Gifford-Wood made one like it but with a much longer handle.

http://icetoolcollection.com/5bladedicechippers.htm

Mike
Title: Re: unknown cutting tool
Post by: GaryD on January 08, 2017, 09:10:18 AM
I think you solved it Mike!  Very similar design.  Thanks for your help--
Gary