Topic: are these butchers steels??

[Paul S.]

I'm not into these things seriously, just the odd one from boot sales if they look unusual  -  like these for instance - although unsure if they are butchers steels.       In fact these two were with another more traditional looking example (with the usual incised lines running down the steel), and came from a charity shop.
No incised lines on these (metal is quite smooth), and they seem light in weight almost as though the metal is hollow.      Handles are rosewood and they have brass collars  -  lengths are c. 11" and 13".        I don't get the feeling they are particularly old - maybe early C20.   
Is anyone able to confirm if they are knife sharpening steels - or if not, what  -  and thanks for looking

[keith]

Hello Paul,could they be for filing metal? I have a couple of watch files that are almost smooth to touch but a lot smaller.

[Paul S.]

hello Keith  -  must admit I would never have considered them as files  -  way too large I'd have thought, unless for using on a grandfather clock          It was the fact that they were together in the shop with a bona fide butchers steel that made me think they were a variation on the same theme.     But it's the smoothness of the metal that seems odd for a sharpening steel.

[Anne]

Hi Paul, I've seen smooth steels before, but they are always much slimmer and longer. Having two thicknesses and lengths wouldn't make a lot of sense for a knife steel, plus there's no guard at the top to prevent the knife slipping onto the handle. I'm wondering if they are formers for something? My first thought was something to do with  sausage skins, but that was just a guess.... 

[Anne]

It might be worth a browse through the Old Tools site here: http://www.oldtools.co.uk they sell old stuff but also retains pics & descriptions of stuff they've sold, so it's a handy reference, and features items you'll rarely see as well as the more common stuff. 

[keith]

Victorian hair curling tongs?

[Paul S.]

thanks Anne  -  I did collect old woodworking tools for a while, so I'm aware of Old Tools, although hadn't thought of looking on their site.      However, soon as I saw your comments it made me think of a gadget called a 'ticketer' - which is a hardened steel  burnishing tool used by carpenters for turning over the edge of a metal scraper.       They have smooth steel prods, although usually rod like in shape.    I've seen a lot of tools over the years, but really can't place these things.    Your idea of the sausage skin what's it does at least have a possible connection with butchers steels.         These smooth steels you've seen before - who uses a smooth steel - any particular trade?

Keith, think I'll miss out on your idea thanks

[Anne]

I've no idea what trade used them Paul, it's just something I was aware of. I'd always assumed they were still for knives of some sort...   am probably totally wrong!