Can Openers

[OldSchool]

I figure of all the simplest things that can fail when needed is the can opener, and I've found for stress testing them - open a few cans of Bush's baked beans and Bruce's yams because they are of the heaviest steel food cans.

Over time the only ones I've had that held up reliably are the old military style P-51's. I spent time researching for the best quality and bought a few from US Shelby Co. They work fine but not the easiest to use, so looking for suggestions from personal experience about what brands and styles hold up reliably and are easy to use.

 

[jazzy]

ive gone thru some different style of can openers and alwasys liked the old fashioned ones with thick turn handle. but as ive gotten older and arthritis in my hands i haZve had to try different things. i dont care much for the electric can opener that sits on kitchen counter but found one that runs on barreries, you set it on top of the can and it cuts its way around the top. thats been working real well for me.

https://www.amazon.com/NEONSA-Electric-Operated-Arthritis-Automatic/dp/B0CSXRGTM4/ref=sr_1_20?crid=3D91AWUP85PFO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Czqy7i_Vaal4ru5qiHCi8pJRTKJGqBKCdJaxj6xQ_R5PAQvx3zVtEQFE-SLNRGHquoGpmwVSftHKyP4b2ZOsBAxFS3FPyOxGSN4HUK-Qa55nXSJhQAJbPWAXxOfIpCCcKTgfJAu0G5jSHnSDQfUGQpl5K06q-

 

[LadyLocust]

I have an old one that used to be on a hinge on the wall - probably c. 1950s - they tempered their steel.

 

[winds-of-change]

I only like the ones that don’t leave sharp edges.

 

[OldSchool]

I only like the ones that don’t leave sharp edges.

Not sure if serious, but I know they make them. I've had some of this style without a sharp edge or sharp cutting wheel. It simply clamps down on the lid and pushes it down to break the lid loose. I like the simplicity, versatility and light weight but never had one that lasted for long. They'd get bent of shape and the drive wheel would start slipping.

This one has a sharp edge and an aggressive drive wheel. I'd give it try, but it looks like the metal isn't thick enough.

 

[Caribou]

I’m currently using a Fissler side opening can opener. It has been working fine for the last couple of years. I used another side opener for less than a year before tossing it out. Amazon doesn’t currently sell them but this is what they look like.
https://www.amazon.com/Fissler-Stainless-Steel-Magic-Opener/dp/B0002TSF10?ref_=ast_sto_dp

 

[Sourdough]

I use a USMC bayonet to open cans, makes me feel "manly".

ONLY $192.00 (USED price)
https://www.amazon.com/ontario-6504-okc3s-marine-bayonet/dp/b000et7e0q

 

[Peanut]

Buying can openers on the net can be a crap shoot. I got a couple that lasted 6 months. The local store was no better. Went through several in a couple years.

Don’t remember who posted this link, Sentry I think. I got a couple products, excellent quality. Been using the ez-duz can opener for several years now. Not every day but once, twice a week, still cuts like new.

They have some serious can openers on this page… even have p-38's.

https://www.allamericanmade.com/made-in-usa-can-openers/

 

[Caribou]

I use a USMC bayonet to open cans, makes me feel "manly".

ONLY $192.00 (USED price)
https://www.amazon.com/ontario-6504-okc3s-marine-bayonet/dp/b000et7e0q

This is more along the right price for a can opener.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1015083817?pid=112463
I’ll see your manly and raise you cheap.

 

[Haertig]

This one has a sharp edge and an aggressive drive wheel. I'd give it try, but it looks like the metal isn't thick enough.

I have never seen that style of can opener fail. Probably because all of mine date back to the 50's and 60's, when things were made to last. Everyone should have a few of this type stashed away in a drawer.

That being said, I only use mine when my more convenient electric can opener (that un-crimps the top of the can rather than cutting it) goes on the fritz. Every few months that electric might fail to uncrimp a lid on the first try. Wiping the metal components down with a wet paper towel or a Q-Tip has always brought it back up to snuff (so far, at least).

 

[UrbanHunter]

I tend to keep 3 can openers in the house (kitchen, basement food storage area, and a spare), all are the ones with the twist handle similar to what @Camper showed. I also have a P38 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MJD19T...psc=1&aaxitk=c151da2a3ee27b3da3e6257dd6c33715) on every key ring I own... If all else fails the P38 works. The one on my main key ring is from the 60s.

 

[Sourdough]

This is more along the right price for a can opener.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1015083817?pid=112463
I’ll see your manly and raise you cheap.

Your can opener needs (6) six VIAGRA PILLS just to stay erect long enough to frighten the can. The can will laugh its ass off as that limp tool attempts to penetrate.

 

[forcast]

I figure of all the simplest things that can fail when needed is the can opener, and I've found for stress testing them - open a few cans of Bush's baked beans and Bruce's yams because they are of the heaviest steel food cans.

Over time the only ones I've had that held up reliably are the old military style P-51's. I spent time researching for the best quality and bought a few from US Shelby Co. They work fine but not the easiest to use, so looking for suggestions from personal experience about what brands and styles hold up reliably and are easy to use.

I have a few from Dads time in Korea.still working fine it just takes practice.

 

[forcast]

Not sure if serious, but I know they make them. I've had some of this style without a sharp edge or sharp cutting wheel. It simply clamps down on the lid and pushes it down to break the lid loose. I like the simplicity, versatility and light weight but never had one that lasted for long. They'd get bent of shape and the drive wheel would start slipping.

This one has a sharp edge and an aggressive drive wheel. I'd give it try, but it looks like the metal isn't thick enough.

Those are better to store in your canned goods area or canned goods bug out boxes. They dont get lost as easy but till slim. The military can opener are tiny and get lost in the storage easy

 

[winds-of-change]

I have a Pampered Chef can opener that I’ve had for several years. It leaves no sharp edges.

 

[goshengirl]

This one has a sharp edge and an aggressive drive wheel. I'd give it try, but it looks like the metal isn't thick enough.

That's the kind of can opener I grew up with (late 60s-80s). Mom gave me one when I left home. I don't remember ever having any issues with it.

But then it got lost during a move and I had to replace it. Tried buying several like it, none of them lasting worth a darn, couldn't get through thick cans, etc. Can't help but think they aren't made the same as they used to be.

I agree with @Peanut - buying can openers online is a crapshoot. I was able to get that Made In USA can opener at a Gordon's Food Service (GFS). Seemed expensive for a can opener, but it's heavier and stronger than all the other can openers I was buying, and it's lasted. They also have (I think it's the same company) a version with a longer handle, which is really nice.

I also have a bunch of P-38s from US Shelby Co, and I'm glad to have them for an emergency. But they'll only be used in an emergency...

 

[Cabin Fever]

IMHO, the best can opener ever made is the Swing-Away opener made in the USA. They don't make them any more, but you can find some vintage ones on Ebay. And, I believe there are some new Chinese knockoffs, too....that are not as good. However, there is a seller that sells rebuilt kits for the blades and gears that fit the vintage openers.

 

[Cabin Fever]

Here's a brand new, made in USA, Swing-Away opener on Ebay. Only, $49 with shipping!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1457139581...LHAzoJ+dJhH/WbdeC17LZgMw==|tkp:Bk9SR5S3n4rZYw

 

[dademoss]

This replaced the 30 year old swing aways in the kitchen drawer, the old ones went into the tub with the freeze dried food.

https://madeinamericastore.com/ez-duz-it-can-opener-red-handle/

I put a military opener under each plastic lid also, some are P-38, others are P-51.

 

[Supervisor42]

I only like the ones that don’t leave sharp edges.

I fell in love with our Hamilton Beach can opener that cuts around the outside of the lid.
It is so cool, if you don't use all of the contents of the can, you simply put the lid back on and stick it in the fridge.
It's over 10 years old, and the ones sold today are identical to it. $32 :

...Proof of a perfect design.
And no fighting with razor-sharp pop-top cans either...

 

[winds-of-change]

Mine is hand cranked. I don’t want another thing sitting on my kitchen counter. But, yes, that is the only style of can opener I’ll use. Years ago, my aunt cut her finger severely in a sharp edge. And even if cans have that pull tab, I still open it with the side opening can opener because I’m afraid my dogs may get hold of an empty can and lick it and cut their tongues.

 

[Neb]

Here's a brand new, made in USA, Swing-Away opener on Ebay. Only, $49 with shipping!
View attachment 128001
https://www.ebay.com/itm/145713958125?epid=28009542904&itmmeta=01HV4A7VE41PQ149K28EVS5712&hash=item21ed3a8ced:g~IAAOSwG2pmFJa8&itmprp=enc:AQAJAAAA8Bir/0iGwc/uCDwvj3nPnO76PVun0fXxRPzP8aXHvehBfkQx0uXIMlLcTDU2GX+w8XvX2CkTohqFktjh+WqHyDGXhvWLYFZBekm33uBMxtUOgUwj7xJ1WG5PIbHzaE+nR5K4guq9/Ed3Xw7p730YEJkU4M2KIO68grc1JuZPYMY9i62YJnt77LXYoV93hgO0TcxeUIeZ5lSKkVcqhngFFgHhNqf0+mDPhOO2G00OBZFeJJ8qmuAwtMJr5Aei/WjCaHP287VX+DxgMt+cCWHZ75GRQTcNf4tINp6SQ3INHjLHAzoJ+dJhH/WbdeC17LZgMw==|tkp:Bk9SR5S3n4rZYw

That is what we use.

I always have a can opener in my pocket except when I have to go through security.

Ben

 

[Cabin Fever]

This replaced the 30 year old swing aways in the kitchen drawer, the old ones went into the tub with the freeze dried food.

https://madeinamericastore.com/ez-duz-it-can-opener-red-handle/

I put a military opener under each plastic lid also, some are P-38, others are P-51.

I may have to look into getting one of those if my original Swing Away wears out. I found them on Amazon at a decent price which includes shipping.
https://www.amazon.com/EZ-DUZ-Deluxe-Opener-Black-Grips/dp/B0071OUJDQ

 

[Cabin Fever]

As long as we're talking about opening cans with the little military openers, bayonets, and Swiss army knives, we might as well go stoneage and open a can with a rock. Just use a rock to rub the seam on a can. Eventually, you'll grind it down enough so you can remove the lid.

 

[dademoss]

I fell in love with our Hamilton Beach can opener that cuts around the outside of the lid.
It is so cool, if you don't use all of the contents of the can, you simply put the lid back on and stick it in the fridge.
It's over 10 years old, and the ones sold today are identical to it. $32 :

...Proof of a perfect design.
And no fighting with razor-sharp pop-top cans either...

I liked ours, Lori didn't. Nough said.

 

[Supervisor42]

I liked ours, Lori didn't. Nough said.

I wonder why not?
Did she miss the juice that always jumped on top of the lid when you punched the wheel of the old one down?
Or as you cranked it around, the lid always dived down into the slime?
Or was it after you cranked the wheel all the way around, there was always that one last little strip that you couldn't cut?
...Meaning you had to grab the razor-sharp lid that was now slimey on both sides with your fingers and work it back and forth, risking cutting yourself, to get that last little strip of metal to break?
Sometimes it is ok to just let go of outdated technology.

 

[dademoss]

I wonder why not?
Did she miss the juice that always jumped on top of the lid when you punched the wheel of the old one down?
Or as you cranked it around, the lid always dived down into the slime?
Or was it after you cranked the wheel all the way around, there was always that one last little strip that you couldn't cut?
...Meaning you had to grab the razor-sharp lid that was now slimey on both sides with your fingers and work it back and forth, risking cutting yourself, to get that last little strip of metal to break?
Sometimes it is ok to just let go of outdated technology.

There is a trick to that last little bit of lid, a couple of backward cranks, then go forward. Give it a try.

 

[Neb]

There is a trick to that last little bit of lid, a couple of backward cranks, then go forward. Give it a try.

I leave the lid attached and use it as a hinge.

Ben

 

[Caribou]

I leave the lid attached and use it as a hinge.

View attachment 128027

Ben

Aren’t you supposed to squeeze that can till it pops open?

 

[Neb]

Aren’t you supposed to squeeze that can till it pops open?

Now that I am older... not anymore.

Ben