Question 1

i bought this for our emergency bag.  Now I'm not sure how to use it.  It didn't have any instructions with it.  I need simple instructions please.

Accepted Answer

Listen up. These are super simple. Open the blade. Opener should form a roughly 90 degree angle. At the base of the blade hinge is another, smaller blade opening the opposite direction. Hook this smaller blade under the outer lip of your can. Grip the opener with thumb and forefinger of your right hand. Leave the smaller blade in place and place the large blade against the top of the can, as close to the rim as possible. With a firm motion, rotate the hand at the wrist and push the main blade through the can lid. With you left hand, rotate the can counter-clock-wise while continuing a rotating sawing motion with your right hand. These are not ambidextrous. Continue this action until you have cut the lid and only 1/2-1/4 inch remains uncut. If this is your first time, your hand will cramp and it will hurt. Suck it up. Use the edge of the opener to pry up the edge of the lid opposite where you stopped cutting. The remaining lid becomes a hinge, and you now have an open can. This device is idiot proof if you have a modicum of intelligence and common sense.

Question 2

Can these open beer/soda bottles too?

Accepted Answer

They can open cans that have a lip on them, the ones that can be opened by most electric can openers. The cans from the 40's 50's 60's etc. NOT POP TOP CANS.

Question 3

During the second World War these "openers" were known as P-38's...because it took 38 turns to open cans of that era! Why is it now called a P-51?????

Accepted Answer

It was called a P-38 because that is what's stamped on the side of the opener. I could open a can in about 20 twists so the 38 "turns" stories is an old wives tale.

Question 4

What is the difference between the P-51 and the original P-38 ?

Accepted Answer

The P-38 is 38mm long and was used to open C-ration and smaller cans.  The P-51 is 51mm long and is used for opening larger "bulk size" cans.  They're two of the simplest and most useful tools ever invented. : )

ASIN	B005IDQW3S
Best Sellers Rank	#366,084 in Kitchen & Dining ( See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining ) #1,033 in Manual Can Openers
Blade Material	Steel
Blade Material Type	Steel
Brand	US Shelby
Brand Name	US Shelby
Color	Can Opener
Customer Reviews	4.6 out of 5 stars 4,757 Reviews
Item Dimensions W x H	1"W x 2"H
Manufacturer	DTM
Manufacturer Part Number	P-51
Material	Steel
Material Type	Steel
Model Number	P-51
Number of Items	2
Number of Packs	2
Operation Mode	Manual
Product Dimensions	1"W x 2"H
Size	Large
UPC	793842013436 682017947709
Unit Count	2 Count

2 Pack Survival Kit Can Opener, Military, P-51 Model

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