These styles of can-openers were originally issued around WWII for soldiers to open their C-rations. While their popularity wavered when MREs came into production, their use now varies and makes these can openers into multi-purpose survival and field tools.
How to open a can with the P-38 or P-51:
- Open the blade flap.
- Place the opener at the lip of the can, vertically. Make sure the blade is pointing down at the can.
- Twist down to puncture a slot. Using your thumb pressure, make a small bite into the can.
- You can advance the opener with a rocking motion. Just rock away from the original bite until you have enough flexibility to open.
Always sterilize before reuse.
