OT: How many of you carry a P-38 can opener?

Diamond Cut II

Diamond Cut II

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Sep 1, 2002
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I came across these on an army surplus site and thought it would be a cool little gadget to have in case I'm without a knife. My dad had some that he got from K rations in '62. He had 5 and gave me and my brother one. So how many of you carry a P-38? How many of you have stories to tell of how it saved the day?
 
Great topic! I have carried one ever since I was discharged from the Army in February, 1962. I kept a few when I left and was down to my last one when I received a new supply, just in time, from my son when he was discharged from the Army after Desert Storm in 1991. I have no interesting stories about them but think that they are one of the greatest gadgets ever invented - convenient, effecitve, simplicity itself and, even if purchased at retail, a great value. They will probably still be carried on keyrings out of habit long after canned foods fade into history.
 
Hi are we talking about the issue openers? little folded sheet metal with a dangly blade that folds flat? If so, they're great, haven't got any left, but had a couple, one still had some chicken supreme on it when I threw it away (after four years in a suitcase:barf: );)
 
I have carried a P-38 for years. Have used it camping and even have used it around the house when the can opener was nowhere to be found. Of course I used it alot from 1981-1984...

I read on another site of some one who used on as a fishing lure. I always carry a multitool or SAK but I will most always have a P-38 also.



Dean
 
I got a few of those. Everytime I stop by the army suplus store, I pick up a couple.
 
Those little things look like they couldnt do anything, but theyre one of the most convenient can openers out there. I'll often use one instead of one of my good $11 can openers. Dont carry one on the keychain, but have a couple in the tackle box, car, camping gear, and in my mag pouches of my web gear. Hmmm, think I've got some cans of tuna that need openin' -- Charles
 
Yup, I've carried one for years.

Every now and then, when I'm out camping or backpacking, someone will show off their new "ultralight" backpacking can opener, and I'll show how much lighter and smaller my P38 is.

In a pinch, they can be used to strike a firesteel, too.

--Mike
 
I got tired of it poking me, so now it sits in my truck. They are about the handiest things in the world, rivalled only by SAK's.

I hate to admit it, but I like the newer larger ones, compared to the c ration issue ones. They are the only can opener that I found would open up a pop can when you need a spit cup (for all you chewers out there).
 
My dad is an ex-Marine and gave me one when I was about 14 or so. I followed his example and put it on my keychain. I didn't use it for about a year or two, but then I began to remember it and use it.

I've found it to be one of the best can openers in existance. It's been used more than a few times when everyone thought we were out of luck. The best was when a bunch of friends and I were at my girlfriend's place and decide to cook a little something. A can had to be opened and her can opener was trash. The P-38 saved the day.

Now that I think of it, they didn't notice it at the airport either. I didn't think about that until now. It's always there and many days I forget about it.
 
Got one on my dog tag chain. Of course I have the officers model, you know, the big P-38 instead of the enlisted model, the little one. As I remember, there were two officers models and about a half dozen enlisted models in a case of rations. The P-38 is pure American engineering genius.
 
I keep one on my emergency carabiner, together with a mini-SAK, mini LED torch, compass, thermometer, Glowring, whistle, firesteel etc.

maximus otter
 
I brought one home from the Air Force in 1975 and it has been the only thing my Mom has used to open cans with in her kitchen since. My Grandma liked it also; She used the larger sized one in her kitchen until she passed. I have a couple at work, in my toolboxes and on my key chain. Very handy!
 
For those of you who carry 'em on a key chain, have you figure out how to keep 'em from poking you all the time?
 
I was carrying one regularly on my key chain, but had it confiscated at the airport one day. Good thing they're dirt cheap.
 
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