Padlocks, Hair Clippers, Wooden Shoes & Synthetic Leather
Padlocks date back to Roman times, and were likely first used to protect cargo in transit. Thousands of years later, the padlock continues to keep burglars at bay.
Meanwhile, the electric hair clipper was invented in 1919. It was the first clipper with a motor in the actual unit, allowing the barber to cut hair at quite a clip.Hairstyles may change, but this device is still on the cutting edge.
Then, call them the poor man's answer to the rubber boot. Centuries ago, farmers chipped out holes in wooden blocks to keep their feet dry. Over the years, the blocks were refined into inexpensive but durable footwear. Today, they're most commonly associated with the history and tradition of the Netherlands. How they're made remains as basic as the shoe itself.
And finally—is it really leather? It may not be the genuine article, plenty of good-looking products are made from pleather.
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Racing Shells, Stainless Steel Links, Leather & Pedal Steel Guitars
The racing shell is a high tech rowboat that's built for speed. Long and exceptionally narrow, it's designed to cut through wave drag and leave the competition in its wake.
Meanwhile, the stainless steel sink is an invention born of patriotism. Before WWII, sinks were often made from a copper/nickel material called "monel". But when that material was needed for the war, stainless steel was drafted for use on the home front ... and it's still on kitchen duty to this day.
Then, leather production dates back to primitive times, when humans rubbed fats into animal skins to preserve them. Times have changed but leather endures. From footwear to furniture, this tough material remains an integral part of our lives.
And finally—playing the pedal steel guitar takes quite a lot of skill. You slide a steel bar up and down the strings as you pluck them, while operating a system of pedals and knee levers below. This means using both hands, both feet, and both knees. But a pedal steel guitar's unique sound is worth the effort.
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Swords, Pontoons, Grandfather Clocks & Fuses
For thousands of years, wars were won and lost by the sword. Today, modern artisans craft historical replicas of these age-old weapons, and they go to the hilt to make sure the details are just right.
Meanwhile, ... party barge ... floating bridge ... luxury raft. Just some of the many functions of pontoon boats. While their basic design hasn't changed much over the years, new materials have made pontoons bigger, sleeker, sturdier, and faster.
Then, invented centuries ago, grandfather clocks run on gravity. When you wind the clock, weights inside are drawn upwards. Gravity then pulls the weights down gradually, unwinding the cables and turning the hands of the clock.
And finally—fuses are designed to blow whenever there's a power overload. This stops the flow of electricity and prevents a wiring fire. We may never see fuses in action, but they're constantly working to protect us, wherever electrical current flows.
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Bumpers, Lighting Gels and Camera Filters, Steam-Powered Models & Candy Canes
With all the attention we pay to our cars' high-tech parts, it's easy to overlook the importance of the bumper. But about 80 percent of car accidents are front or rear collisions.
Meanwhile, gels and filters can turn a bad scene into a beautiful one. They're used in theater productions to enhance the mood on stage, and also in film and photography. They're called "gels" because they used to be made of gelatin film. But today, they're made out of transparent polyester!
Then, when factories build live steam models, they're reconstructing history. These working steam models take us on a nostalgic journey, and they're fun for hobbyists of all ages.
And finally—in the 17th century, a German choirmaster had some sugar sticks bent into shepherds' crooks as a special treat for his choir. And that's how the candy cane is believed to have been invented. But it wasn't until more than a century later that they earned their stripes!
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Umbrellas, Outboard Motors, Silver Cutlery & Tape Measures
The umbrella about 1,700 years ago in ancient China. Since then, it's evolved from the original parasol, to the modern-day collapsible canopy.
Meanwhile, outboard marine motors come in a variety of sizes and horsepowers. They can run on gas, diesel or electricity. And they can provide power for a quiet day of fishing ... or an exhilarating offshore drag race!
Then, cutlery dates back to the Stone Age—some 300,000 years ago. Prehistoric people made the first cutlery from splinters of stone, shells, horn, and wood chips. During the Bronze Age, humans found a better material ... metal.
And finally—a popular tool in any utility closet, the spring-driven retractable tape measure was invented in the middle of the 19th century, but it didn't really become popular until the 1940s. Today, any handyman without one just doesn't measure up.
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