Antique tool (?) Identification Assistance

[jeltonk]

Anybody have any idea what this might be?  Approximately 7” in length - the metal rod piece appears to have grease on it.  No markings.  I’m stumped as was the previous owner.  They thought-it might be a plug gage but I have my doubts about that.   Any thoughts / suggestions?   Thanks in advance

 

 

 

 

 

[waxu_93]

It seems to be used by butchers to sharpen their knives.

[jeltonk]

I don’t think so as it’s not ridged like a knife sharpener- just a crude metal rod.  

[sonomabarn67]

A fire starter?

[jeltonk]

It has grease on it - I assume for lubrication of some sort???   I don’t think that would be on a fire starter??  Thanks for the suggestion though. 

[sonomabarn67]

When people store tools they sometimes wipe them down with oil. If there is no oil at hand but there is grease, it is a good replacement. I've seen both. Firestarter was just a guess because no one else seems to of cracked the code.