Can Opener Comparison

ReamerPunch · **Reply #150 on:** July 02, 2021, 07:25:45 AM

P-38

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-38_can_opener

The quintessential manual can opener, the P-38 is a claw. It is interesting that the hook and cutting edge are not in the same axis. They are perpendicular to each other, which positions both at the perfect position. The hook meets the lid at a right angle, grabbing onto it wonderfully, while the cutting edge tip contacts the lid right behind the rim, and the perfect angle to pierce into it.

Piercing was easy. The P-38 is designed perfectly to engage the can like it is supposed to.
Comfort is relevant I think. It does not make much sense to expect amazing ergonomics on something this tiny. It was not uncomfortable, and after only a few cuts, I was already used to the action, and was able to rock the can opener up and down, cutting with no issues. I never felt the slight hint of it jamming or slipping of the rim. In fact, I let go, and the can opener sat frozen in position. It was not stuck or anything close to that, just sitting comfortably on the rim, thanks to the excellent angles of the hook and blade. Tracing along each previous cut was extremely easy and surprisingly fast, once I got used to the action.

It created a rather jagged edge, and I noticed a few metal specs on the table. These are not like the metal splinters that other can openers have produced, though I would prefer no shavings at all.

I will test this again and maybe go slower, and see if I continue to get metal specs.
Has anyone else noticed any metal specs with this?

2 points for punching through.
2 for comfort.
2 for not jamming.
1 for cutting.
2 for not slipping.

Total: 9

ReamerPunch · **Reply #151 on:** July 02, 2021, 07:41:35 AM

P-51

The big brother of the P-38, longer, thicker, heavier. Using this was a very similar experience to the P-38.
Piercing was extremely easy. The shapes and angles are the same, and this also engages the can perfectly. No slipping, no jamming, and still sitting in place when you let go.

This was a little more comfortable. It is longer, and I got a better grip, and thanks to the blade being slightly longer, I got longer individual cuts. The difference in leverage is very noticeable and much more than anticipated. After only a couple of cuts, the action felt intuitive and I was able to cut the rid faster than any other can opener I have tested. Speed was not taken into account when using can openers for this thread, but the P-51 would be the winner. While extremely fast, the cut was consistent, easy, it never slipped or got jammed, or advanced off kilter. Most importantly, there were no metal shavings of any sort with this. It left behind a clean edge, less jagged than that of the P-38.

It may be heavier and larger than the P-38, but the difference in performance was very noticeable. It is still small enough for all sorts of kits, and certainly a fantastic companion to any multi-tools that lack a can opener or have a mediocre or unusable one.
I can not wait to open a can with this again.

2 points for punching through.
2 for comfort.
2 for not jamming.
2 for cutting.
2 for not slipping.

Total: 10

McStitchy · **Reply #152 on:** July 02, 2021, 08:46:35 AM

I was looking forward for you testing them RP

I think this thread would be incomplete without thwm.

Excellent results for such a "simplistic" design

ReamerPunch · **Reply #153 on:** July 02, 2021, 12:05:12 PM

Quote from: ReamerPunch on July 02, 2021, 07:25:45 AM

which positions both at the perfect position.

I should become a columnist or something.

ReamerPunch · **Reply #154 on:** July 02, 2021, 12:17:04 PM

Quote from: McStitchy on July 02, 2021, 08:46:35 AM

I was looking forward for you testing them RP I think this thread would be incomplete without thwm.

Excellent results for such a "simplistic" design

I love the design. How can something this small be designed so well for its purpose, and perform so well? Does your multi-tool not have a can opener? Slip a P-51 in the sheath and you're set.