The lowly P38

heh.

Koyote Girl brought it up after I gave her one - she was thinking it would be a cool component of a WSS party favor or themed "cheap gift" to take a P38, one of the countycomm dollar lights, and one of the stubby 2 inch x 3/8 ferro rods and toss them all on a keyring.

Which brings up what it's really about for me- aside from the mythic force of the device, the p38 is about the best "tin knife" I can think of.
 
I'm one of those that never warmed up to them either. I understand there versatility, I just don't care for them.
 
For those who don't like the P-38, don't carry one. For the rest of us, they're pretty nifty little things. I've learned some things on this thread, too.
 
I have one on a key chain with a light my fire ferro rod and one of those little single button battery LED lights, I've given a few sets of these to friends. I run a file across the flat edge of it to get two crips/sharp edges like a cabinet scraper for use on the ferro rod.

It works so well at opening a can that with practice you can use the can without fear of cutting yourself on the ragged edge like you get from the SAK, it does a much better job for which it was designed than most can openers below the level of professional kitchen units.
 
Mentor said:
Thanks for the pic lambertiana. Now I know what we're talking about.

Though, for the record, these posts are still funnier if you pretend we're talking about a Walther (ex. "Has saved my ass at dinner parties ...")!

- Mike
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Especially about using it to open cans in the kitchen:D
 
skammer said:
To each his own man.

I still dont get it. I think EDC'ng a sak at least is something everyone should do. If so a can opener is not needed.

Besides no can of food is going to keep me from its contents sak, p38 or not. A swift blow with a rock or even better rubbing the can on flat rock or concrete opens her right up..
Skam
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Because this would take so much less time than using a can opener?
 
When I was about 12 someone gave me a complete army mess kit along with a p38 I have that same p38 on my keys I'm 47 now . It has opened more cans than I care to count removed screws opened packages I think I could skin small game with it if I had to It has poked a few hole in my legs too I still have the mess kit too
 
I had trouble with my wife's car while in town this evening. I had to get into the fuse box under the hood. My fingers and every tool I had in the car were too large to squeeze down in there to pry the little plastic hinge up at the right angle so I could get into it. I remembered this thread, took my P-38 off my key chain and was able to finagle it down in there with a pair of pliers and pop the latch. Crisis averted. Ha!
 
I got a P38 a while ago, but didn't really pay attention...just tossed it into a PSK...I guess I should get it out and try it.

btw, why is it sometimes called a "John Wayne?"
 
Some squids and most jarheads call it a John Wayne because he used it in a training film way back in the dark ages.
 
countycomm - perhaps I should be glad they don't deliver internationally, else I'd be giving them quite a bit of my money ...
 
I have given up on fancy can openers and now have a Vic SAK with the can opener extended on a nail hanging from a nail on the paper towel roll holder.
The Australian militery are issued FRED's Field Ration Eating Devices ( Or F*cken ridiculous eating devices take your pick)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/64/FRED-US_Dollar.jpg/180px-FRED-US_Dollar.jpg
Be aware the non issue after markets ones are very soft.
You see the the advantage of the spoon end but I do suspect there will be those who moan about the extra bulk.
Army cadets in Australia ( for the moment at least) are not issued ration packs. It is either fresh or supply your own depending on the camp. Last field camp I attended ( July) where the kids brought their own rats. of 23 kids, two brought can openers, amazingly ALL had cans of whatever.
During the following week I brought 5 P38's issued one each to the three section commanders and one to the CSM I have since organised a sign to be hung at the HQ facing the kids Bivi's
"Hire of can opener
$15 per can"
We'll see how much gets contributed to the end of year Dining in night.
Carl
 
I have a bunch of P51's from Countycomm (dangerous place) and I think they're great. I stash one in every kit so I know I'll always have one available.

Sure a SAK is way more versatile, but a SAK is also way bigger, heavier and (most importantly) more expensive. Less than a buck is a whole different league than a 20. I don't worry about losing a P51, but I'd be put out if I lost one of my SAK's.
 
According to the airport security, a P38 is a dangerous weapon and will be taken from you. A lot of Vets have lost theirs to the airport nazis.
I've still got mine from the 70s.


And read post #16 and go to that site listed. Read all of it, neat stuff. Find out if your P38 is real. Here it is again:

http://www.georgia-outfitters.com/page52.shtml
 
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Hey theres a link there to custom dog tags.
cheaper than i expected...I want.
one of the places is doing buy 1 set get one free.
 
The SAK has the potential to be more useful. But I USE my p-38 on my keychain a whole lot more!
 
I don't even own a SAK with a can opener. I have opened a can with an Opinel, but actually I don't like doing that with a knife, which leaves me with the P 38 as a good portable option. (As soon as they arrive here.)
 
bltjr1951 said:
According to the airport security, a P38 is a dangerous weapon and will be taken from you. A lot of Vets have lost theirs to the airport nazis.
I've still got mine from the 70s.


And read post #16 and go to that site listed. Read all of it, neat stuff. Find out if your P38 is real. Here it is again:

http://www.georgia-outfitters.com/page52.shtml
Click to expand...

It is not on the TSA list, but is subject to the individual screener's discretion. I remember reading a story of one being taken from a Vietnam vet that had been on his keychain since the war. This was right after 9-11. I have never had an eyebrow raised at the one on my keys. Airports, courthouses, whatever, no problems. If it does get taken, I'm out like $0.25. So when it comes to commercial air travel, I think the P38 on the keychain is better than the SAK in the checked luggage.:)
 
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