What's that for?

[radiotecha1234]

I was just looking at a Swiss Army Tinker I have and noticed a slot in the Philips head. What is it for?

[Syph007]

The best answer Ive heard is the tin opener.

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,32958.msg538994.html#msg538994

[ironraven]

http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Screwdriver-Phillips

That is exactly what they were for. Apparently, Swiss military c-rats had those little keyed cans into the late 80s. I think some of the former Soviet Republics might still use them as well.

[gustophersmob]

http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Screwdriver-Phillips

That is exactly what they were for. Apparently, Swiss military c-rats had those little keyed cans into the late 80s. I think some of the former Soviet Republics might still use them as well.

I kind of wondered why that kind of can key would be worth making on a SAK.  In my life, I've encountered exactly 0.

If the Swiss rations had it, then it makes more sense.  Although, it was only on the "officers'" knives, not the soldier, so maybe it doesn't make sense... 

[demonoflust]

Not sure but when I was younger, I saw mom opening luncheon meat can with the key thing. I guess the key way of opening luncheon meat preserve the meat in one piece and can pour it out easily. Perhaps if the key with the can is lost this will be a good thing to have.

I have never seen modern luncheon meat can for a long time haha, I will drop by supermarket to see if they are still using these key thing.

[ColoSwiss]

About the only keyed-open cans you'll see in the US nowadays are cans of corned beef imported from Argentina. When I was growing up they were far more common. I recall seeing ham, stew, sardines, coffee and nuts in keyed-open cans, and there were probably many other items. The cans came with a metal key with a slot in it, typically soldered to the top or base of the can. In use the key was pried off; a metal tab was pried up and inserted in the slot; and the key rotated around the can along a pre-grooved band. The Victorinox slotted phillips would have been for emergency use when the key had been lost. It's open end would have allowed easy removal from the strip of metal without having to unwind the strip. Eventually the key was replaced by a pull tab.

Karl

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Keyopenerpatent.JPG

Here's about the only shot I could come up with of the key in use, on a can of dummy ammunition.

http://store.colemans.com/cart/images/2069.gif

And another;

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b5/HK_Canned_food_Greatwall_brand_chopped_pork_and_ham_can_opener_key_Jan-2012.jpg

[silentio]

I can confirm that there are still tins that require the key. Luncheon meat (or Spam in the western world) cans and corned beef both. Two brands I know of off the top of my head are Maling (china) and Tulip (Netherlands I think).

[Syph007]

I remember them from when I was a kid, canned ham and other meats.   The key was always stuck to the top of the can, and it look neat so I always wanted to play with it and be the one to open the can.  Unfortunately I then had to eat what I opened which wasn't always exactly tasty.

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

...When I was growing up they were far more common. I recall seeing ham, stew, sardines, coffee and nuts in keyed-open cans, and there were probably many other items...

I recall Corned beef hash and possibly a cake or bread of some sort too.