That description actually points to a few vintage kitchen or utility tools, especially because of the Bakelite handle (common from the 1920s–1950s).
Based on “giant hair pick” + thick metal prongs, here are the most likely candidates:
Most likely possibilities
1. Onion holder / slicing guide
- Used to hold an onion (or potato) steady while slicing
- Thick prongs go into the vegetable
- Helps make even cuts and protect fingers
- Very common in older kitchens
2. Meat shredder / carving fork (less common style)
- Some older versions had multiple thick tines instead of just two
- Used to hold or pull apart meat
3. Ice chipper / ice breaker (multi-prong type)
- Before modern freezers, people broke ice blocks manually
- Some tools had several thick spikes instead of one pick
4. Specialty serving fork (pickle/olive lifter)
- Though usually smaller, some older designs had chunky prongs
The Bakelite clue matters
Bakelite handles were popular in:
- Kitchen utensils
- Grooming tools
- Workshop tools
So this is almost certainly pre-1960s and likely practical, not decorative.
What it’s probably not
- A hair pick (metal prongs would be too harsh)
- A standard fork (too thick and comb-like)
- Anything medical (those usually look more precise/technical)
Quick way to narrow it down
Ask yourself:
- Are the prongs sharp or blunt? → sharp = ice tool, blunt = food holder
- Are they evenly spaced like a comb? → likely slicing guide
- Is it heavy and rugged? → more like ice/meat tool
If you can, send a photo—that would make identification much more precise. These old tools can be surprisingly specific.