Okay, I'm lame... how to use the old style can opener?

[alelser]

I'm talking about those on the earliest (1908 and 1898 patterns) SAKS and other branded "utility" knives. Is it just that they don't make the lips on can lids as prominent anymore to provide a good enough purchase for the opener, or am I doing something wrong (and thus, will be horribly embarrassed because I can usually intuitively figure these kinds of things out).

So, let the ribbing (and hopefully answering) begin!

-Al-

[jzmtl]

I duno, never used one, but send me a 1898 SAK and I'll find out for you. 

[alelser]

Today only I'll send you my 1898... oh wait. I don't have one. Too bad for you! I was all set to wrap it up and send it your way. 

[thebullfrog]

Shipping to Canada is way to expensive just for can opener instructions. Send it to me instead, I'll even put it on video for you 

[jzmtl]

On a more serious note, if you are talking about the lobster claw type can opener, maybe it's for stab the sharper half through the can lid, then use the "hook" to lever against top of can rim, and open the lid from inside out.

Sorta like the can opener on the french knife.

[ICanFixThat]

On a more serious note, if you are talking about the lobster claw type can opener, I don't think it's meant to hook onto can rim like the modern opener. Maybe it's for stab the sharper half through the can lid, then use the "hook" to lever against top of can rim, and open the lid from inside out.

+1

The lip on the opener is used as a fulcrum as and you open the can in the counter clockwise direction, not the knife is held upside down when using the can opener.  Puncture the can with the knife near vertical.

[Käfer]

Yep.  Cans didn't use to have a rim.  You gotta punch the tip in (careful to do it so it doesn't close on your hand) then use the blade to rip up out of the can and the other end as leverage.

[alelser]

Eureka! I think the current Vic opener had me spoiled -- wasn't thinking about having to use brute force for the initial penetration. Having the hook/fulcrum on the top after stabbing the claw through makes perfect sense!

Thanks all! This was driving me nuts! (Said the Leprechaun with the steering wheel in his pants. Sorry -- old joke that always makes me chuckle.)

-Al-

[Neil]

Another mystery solved

Nice demonstration, thanks for doing the pics

[Käfer]

No problem.  I posted those over on the SOSAK forums awhile back.

[knyha]

-- wasn't thinking about having to use brute force for the initial penetration.

Somewhere I read (but I don´t know if it is  true) that the first can opener was invited cca 50 years after can food storaging. So before that time people were used tu use "brute force" to open the can – free with hammer and axe too. From that point of view the old can-opener used on old soldier knives was a big step forward. 

A few days ago, I bought one old 85mm Wenger, with this can:opener:



I am looking forward to try it!

[Neil]

Best of luck with that experiment, you'll need it

[Gareth]

Good pictures Kafer, really shows it well.   

[Bladester]

Yes, Kafer, thanks for posting the excellent explanation and pix!  --Larry

[Käfer]

-- wasn't thinking about having to use brute force for the initial penetration.

Somewhere I read (but I don´t know if it is  true) that the first can opener was invited cca 50 years after can food storaging. So before that time people were used tu use "brute force" to open the can – free with hammer and axe too. From that point of view the old can-opener used on old soldier knives was a big step forward. 

A few days ago, I bought one old 85mm Wenger, with this can:opener:

(Image removed from quote.)

I am looking forward to try it!

I love how those can openers have the instructions stamped right on them 

[Sazabi]

Not to be nitpicky, but shouldn't the thumb opener/lip hook on the old lobster claws be on the side of the lip, so the bit can be a better fulcrum point?

[Käfer]

I don't think so.  Of course I don't know what the old cans looked like.  But to open a can in the other direction would be difficult for a right hander.  Plus, the sharp side of the blade would need to be on the other side.

Edit:  I suppose you could do it in reverse grip, working backwards.  But the bevel would still be on the wrong side.  Also, for modern cans, the tab sits on the rim quite nicely the way I showed.

[pthycrpg]

Here is a picture on the how the Swiss Army opened cans in 1941. The picture was taken by the late Hurst A Brunner. Who would of thunk?

[ICanFixThat]

Hmmm... that actually makes sense given the design of the original opener... hmmm

Thanks for posting that picture!

[pthycrpg]

I am reading my reply and kicking myself for being so dumb and not proof reading. I have two mistakes to correct.
#1 The greatest collector of soldiers knives was  the late Horst A Brunner. Not Hurst Sorry. R.I.P.
#2 The knife in the picture is a Model 51, but the procedure can be used.

[NutSAK]

Excellent info!  I remember trying to use the old opener once, using a similar technique, but on the top of the can like you would with the current type of opener.  What a mess I made, but I did get the can open.  It was obvious to me that I wasn't using the tool right, but I never would have thought of this method.  It totally makes sense now.  Thanks pthycrpg!

[J-sews]

Heh-heh, I thought I was the only one who didn't know how those things worked.