p-38 can openers...GREAT??? Unlimited functions?

R

raptor99

Joined
Apr 4, 2004
Messages
38
I just got a p-38 military can opener off E-bay, and wondered if they are as great as all the threads say. Also looked all over the net for reviews and found lots of good stories about them. I read they are and were used as alot more than just a can opener. Any insight?
 
There is also a canadian version which is a little longer so has more leverage. It's the only can opener I use but I haven't used it for anything else.
 
I have a few of those , they do work for oppenning cans. I've never used them for anything else.
It does take a little longer than a regular manual openner, but in an emergency ( or camping) they work.
 
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I have been carrying one since 1967 and continue to do so today. I like it better than the Victorinox can opener but less so than a manual can opener.
 
Been there, 'Nam that. I never wanna see another one of those things, nor eat the crap in the cans they open.
 
I kind of agree. Opened many a can of C-rations with the little devils. As I recall, they made a fairly decent flat-head screwdriver...

I always had one on a lanyard when I was in the army, but you had to replace 'em pretty often, they would get dull.
 
They were on the History Channel's "Mail Call" not too long ago. He said that they were used as a screwdriver, prying open cans (like paint cans), etc. The host said he'd not seen one actually break in like 38 years or something to that effect. What I say is, how are you going to get a more effective gadget for .38 (which is what they cost at my local Army/Navy store)?? Although my dad (Marine who served in Viet Nam) would agree with others and tell you he never wants to see them again.

-Anthony
 
raptor99 said:
I just got a p-38 military can opener off E-bay, and wondered if they are as great as all the threads say. Also looked all over the net for reviews and found lots of good stories about them. I read they are and were used as alot more than just a can opener. Any insight?
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I thought they were great on C-ration cans . I had carried a knife similar to a Swiss army but you learned to pitch anything not needed. The mess knife & fork went ,the spoon was the only thing you really needed . The P-38 was packaged in some of the ration boxes & they were almost as popular as cigarettes & fruit cocktail.

Uncle Alan :D
 
I carry one on my keyring; one of the original issue that you found in the box of C-Rats.

I open my soup cans with it when at work.
 
kamkazmoto said:
I have been carrying one since 1967 and continue to do so today. I like it better than the Victorinox can opener but less so than a manual can opener.
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Yup, much better than any knife-attached/multi-tool can opener.
And they do one thing that no new-fangled tool with ever do for many of us, they bring back memories- some good, some...not so much.
Thanks P-38.:thumbup:
 
The Australian Army's version of the P-38 is called FRED (F#@* Ridiculous Eating Device) and has just last year been retired from service in favour of ring top cans and foil pouches of dehydrated chemical "food".

The FRED is similar in design to the P-38 but has a spoon extension about 2 inches long.

I have saved enough FREDs to last me the rest of my life, and hopefully none of them will EVER have to open another can of Army rations.:barf:
 
jw556 said:
works best for places you can't carry a SAK or multitool
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I would think such places wouldn't allow P-38 can openers, either. You speaking from first-hand experience?
 
The P38 was good for opening C ration cans and as a field expedient screw driver, sometimes really useful. They came packed in every five B Unit boxes. I tended to collect them, took home six. It's the only thing from military service still with me, supposedly for emergencies, but I haven't used it in decades. Great design, does its job, weighs nothing, really tiny. Maybe I'll get to use it again some day if it doesn't get lost first.
 
I've never seen an original in Mexico but copies show up every once in a while, some are bad, some are good. Here's one that I like, thick, strong, adds a screwdriver tip and bottle opener.

Luis


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They're great till you wear it on your dog tag chain, it opens and impales your sternum.

I know.:eek:


Paul
 
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