What is "ripping iron"

Rip \Rip\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ripped; p. pr. & vb. n. Ripping.] [Cf. AS. r[=y]pan, also Sw. repa to ripple flax, D. repelen, G. reffen, riffeln, and E. raff, raffle. Cf. Raff, Ripple of flax.]

1. To divide or separate the parts of, by cutting or tearing; to tear or cut open or off; to tear off or out by violence; as, to rip a garment by cutting the stitches; to rip off the skin of a beast; to rip up a floor; -- commonly used with up, open, off.

2. To get by, or as by, cutting or tearing.

   He 'll rip the fatal secret from her heart.
   --Granville.

3. To tear up for search or disclosure, or for alteration; to search to the bottom; to discover; to disclose; -- usually with up.

   They ripped up all that had been done from the beginning of the rebellion.
   --Clarendon.

   For brethern to debate and rip up their falling out in the ear of a common enemy . . . is neither wise nor comely.
   --Milton.

4. To saw (wood) lengthwise of the grain or fiber.

   Ripping chisel (Carp.), a crooked chisel for cleaning out mortises.
   --Knight.

   Ripping iron. (Shipbuilding) Same as Ravehook.

   Ripping saw. (Carp.) See Ripsaw.

   To rip out, to rap out, to utter hastily and violently; as, to rip out an oath. [Colloq.] See To rap out, under Rap, v. t.