P38 for striker blade

L

Loosearrow

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Apr 14, 2008
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Was thinking that the P38 (C ration military can opener) on my keychain might do double duty and a scraper for my ferro rod. I wouldn't use the hook blade. Maybe sharpen up the handle. Anyone do this? Or use a P38? Regards
 
Only just recently tried a p38 and haven't been real impressed with it. Certainly didn't fare as well as i'd want for as a ferro scraper.
 
Mine came decently squared along the sides. It was just a bit too tiny/cramped and had too many other jabs and points to gnaw at me. I think this is one of those 'not my cup of tea' things rather than a poor option, I think there are lots of folks who regularly use them.
 
I have one in my kit that throws great sparks and others that don't. I have noticed that some appear to be stainless and some not. Also the edges seem to vary. The newer stainless ones being not as sharp edged. I don't know what is a bigger factor edge or steel. The stainless stay nice and shiney and the older non stainless ones turn a dull dark gray.

I took a metal checkering file to one edge and it now has teeth it really bites and throws sparks but it does eat the fero rod faster.
 
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The one I've had since 1972 doesn't spark worth a damn. If you find one that does, go for it. :)
Denis
 
interesting idea, I might have to pick up a few more, and test the one I have. a can opener is a very useful urban survival tool.
 
I have a few of these - I will file one square and get back to you - it would make a great double use thing to lighten the load.

HEY! Every gram counts! ;)

TF
 
I never tried it, but I would think it would suck to use in really cold weather. I prefer a lil something bigger.
 
Try the larger P-51. I have lots of 38's and us it as my "multi-tool", but truthfully, I prefer the 51 and it would be easier to use on a ferro rod. Some of them have "defects" in which there is a lip. On my 51's this is usually on the top edge. A few quick touches to a grinder or dremel on the top or one of the sides to put "teeth" on it like the strikers that come with the Light My Fire firesteels make it work even better or if there is no sharp edge.

I like to put teeth on the back side anyway because I like to use an o-ring to keep them closed since they seem to loosen up with use. This gives the o-ring a place to purchase so it doesn't slide up and down.
 
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As stated in other posts (ad naseum) my EDC is a SAK Huntsman. It has a can opener and a bottle opener. The back of the saw makes a great fire steel striker. The more I use it, the more uses I find for it.
 
I haven't found my P38s and P51s to work very well as a striker. It would be nice, if they did work well.
 
I've been thinking that a tool made from tool steel that can be used to scrape a ferro rod as a secondary purpose but also be a pry bar, can opener, screw driver. Has anyone tried one of the kit size pry bars as a striker? One of the old style can openers with a notch cut in the rounded end? I haven't tried to make one from tool steel but you get they idea.
 
I think someone needs to draw up a multi-purpose striker! What do you guys think?
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
I think someone needs to draw up a multi-purpose striker! What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

They did. About a hundred years ago. Its called a Church Key :D .
Churchkeys.jpg


Square off one of the edges and you're all set for under 50¢.
 
Rupestris said:
They did. About a hundred years ago. Its called a Church Key :D .
Churchkeys.jpg


Square off one of the edges and you're all set for under 50¢.
Click to expand...

My very old and worn Coors "church key" is one of my most prized, sentimental, and used tools. :D It was my Grand-dad's and I remember him using it when I was a kid. Using one end to open cans of tomato juice for him to make his red beers with and the other to pop the beer bottles. I would absolutely cry if anything ever happened to it.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
I think someone needs to draw up a multi-purpose striker! What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

Thats what I was thinking. Can't hurt. I like the P38. Brings back memories of the Marines. The cool factor is when you open a can with that little sucker. Now to strke a fire with it, gut a fish, scrape some tinder, oh well this is could become another thread. 101 uses of the lowly P38.
 
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