Replies

1. 
   Teaf5 | Mar 09, 2012 07:18pm | #1

   A paper cutter

   I just bought one of these in plastic!  You use it to slice across a width of paper, like a rolling cutter.  Lay out a piece of newspaper, hold the handle, and point the "beaks" at the edge.  Then push it forward, and the inside edges of what look like bobbin holders skim across the paper, slicing it into a neat line.

    It was probably originally used when you had to trace patterns from books onto large paper, and then cut out the sections roughly before placing on the fabric, or it may have been used to cut the excess paper off a printed pattern before laying it out, as most books suggest that you do.

1. 
   Teaf5 | Mar 09, 2012 07:20pm | #2

   Great for gift wrapping

   It's also very, very fast for gift wrap paper--you just skim it across rather than using scissors to cut, cut, cut.

2. 
   lennie77 | Dec 07, 2012 04:39pm | #3

   Thanks for explaining how to use this unknown tool.

   I appreciate your detailed answer.

2. 
   HelgaPataki | Dec 09, 2012 05:24pm | #5

   whoops - sorry

   whoops... on to next message....

1. 
   lennie77 | Dec 07, 2012 04:44pm | #4

   Sewing Store though it was some kind of scissors too.

   I tested cutting paper with it as explained in the second post and it worked!  Thanks for your answer however, I appreciate your guess.