P 38

T

The Fatman

Joined
Dec 10, 2014
Messages
13
I have had a Buck 110 on my right hip since 1977. But this morning ss I used my p38 I got in boot camp in 1977 I have used this everyday more than any knife ive owned. Anybody else still got theirs?
 
I have mine and the Sear's 4-way keychain screw driver, for about 50 years now. Keep them both in my wallet, and still use them time to time. Filed the corners of the smallest bit on the driver to fit phillips screws.

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I've had a P38 on my keychain for 26 years now. My dad gave it to me when I was 12.
 
I need to get a proper P-38, the first can I tried opening broke mine. :( The steel seemed way too soft, and the nub that grips the edge of the can bent and broke off.

Those sears 4-way driver's seem really useful, but I don't know how the steel quality is nowadays. With the 4-way drivers and P-38's is there a specific manufacturer I should look for?


I've been using a GEC tube popper as a scraper and pry bar, and used it at work in the vineyard with the intent of using it without worrying if it would break, and it held up very well.

No matter whether I'm working or on my day off I have a squirt, aaa copper maratac, Case peanut and my GEC T-pop. Other than that I choose a 'main' knife to go with it. I don't mind the length of the T-pop in my pocket when I'm working, but I would much rather being able to put a sears driver, or P38 in my wallet and know I can rely on it.



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scottyj said:
Isn't another name for the P38 a "John Wayne"?
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Yes, still wear mine after 25 years. Last Christmas I gave 100 away to my guys. The E-5's an up got Spydies. Pvt's look at them (P-38) like :dispirited: Then some old Lifers had to tell them what they are an how to use them.
 
I love my p38... don't carry it every day but it is in my camping pack and gets regular use.

Jackknife - couldn't help but notice your VA ID there... thanks for serving... if that is a recent pic you need to hit up the VA and get a new ID... the type in your wallet is outmoded because apparently if you scan the bar on the side with a smart phone it brings up all your PID... definite identity risk these days...
 
Ryan Sumner said:
I need to get a proper P-38, the first can I tried opening broke mine. :( The steel seemed way too soft, and the nub that grips the edge of the can bent and broke off.

Those sears 4-way driver's seem really useful, but I don't know how the steel quality is nowadays. With the 4-way drivers and P-38's is there a specific manufacturer I should look for?


I've been using a GEC tube popper as a scraper and pry bar, and used it at work in the vineyard with the intent of using it without worrying if it would break, and it held up very well.

No matter whether I'm working or on my day off I have a squirt, aaa copper maratac, Case peanut and my GEC T-pop. Other than that I choose a 'main' knife to go with it. I don't mind the length of the T-pop in my pocket when I'm working, but I would much rather being able to put a sears driver, or P38 in my wallet and know I can rely on it.



_C200074_zpsc5939d98.jpg
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I carry the larger P-51. It’s easier on old hands, and a more versatile multitool.

Mine are made by Shelby. The Shelby Company made GI P-38s and P-51s for decades. They are still in business.
 
My dad still carries a p38 on his keychain, I use the opener on my sak or kamp king. Or a hunk of concrete lol.
 
Ryan Sumner said:
I need to get a proper P-38, the first can I tried opening broke mine. :( The steel seemed way too soft, and the nub that grips the edge of the can bent and broke off.

Those sears 4-way driver's seem really useful, but I don't know how the steel quality is nowadays. With the 4-way drivers and P-38's is there a specific manufacturer I should look for?
Click to expand...

The P-38 I have is stamped Speaker, U.S. and seems to be made of carbon steel. It's taken on a very dark patina over the many years I've carried it. If you get a real made in U.S.A. one, they are a heck of a little tool. I've used mine for over 40 years. The 4-way keychain screw driver is from Sears. They should be in your local Sear store in the tool section, usually going for all of .99 cents. They are still a tough act, made from one piece of tool steel. Very flat and light weight.
 
atavist said:
I love my p38... don't carry it every day but it is in my camping pack and gets regular use.

Jackknife - couldn't help but notice your VA ID there... thanks for serving... if that is a recent pic you need to hit up the VA and get a new ID... the type in your wallet is outmoded because apparently if you scan the bar on the side with a smart phone it brings up all your PID... definite identity risk these days...
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Thanks for that tip, bud. The ID is at least 15 years old, but they haven't said anything to me about a new ID. I'm down there often for all my medical since I'm 50% disabled from active duty injuries, and going in, they just check my ID and wave me through. It's government, so it figures. Thanks. I'll ask for a new ID next time I'm there!:thumbup:
 
jackknife said:
Thanks for that tip, bud. The ID is at least 15 years old, but they haven't said anything to me about a new ID. I'm down there often for all my medical since I'm 50% disabled from active duty injuries, and going in, they just check my ID and wave me through. It's government, so it figures. Thanks. I'll ask for a new ID next time I'm there!:thumbup:
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You may receive one in the mail soon.
I got my new ID a couple weeks ago and some guys I know got theirs maybe close to a year ago.
Never know with the govt.

I never carried a p-38 on my person, I have one with my camping stuff but was always more comfortable with the SAK type opener.
 
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