GI P-38 Can Opener (5-pack)

Hand arm can opener
Works great use for back or when traveling

Can openers that work “in a pinch”
I wish these were of stronger metal as used in the WWII kits, but these are small, useful can openers; however, don’t try to take them through TSA.

Aaahhhh…. Memories!
Back in the day during my Army “Basic Training,” just as they were on the very edge of making the gradual transition over from “C (‘combat’) Rations” to those gawd-awful dehydrated chalky bricks called “MREs” (‘Meal, Ready to Eat’), the troops used to receive these things as our standard can opener (which, for myself anyway, also doubled as a ‘scraper’ to strip away the green paint from along the rims my tins to prevent the flecks from contaminating my jam or other other unprotected food items). Not only were they “necessary” as part of our field survival, but for many of us they became something of a “status symbol,” and during each meal distribution we’d still ask for one, even though we’d already collected enough to mimick rattlesnake sounds with. Then suddenly, like out of nowhere, whenever the C-Rations were being handed out, and we asked for a can opener, what we got was NOT the “P-38” as we knew & loved, but was some elongated and ergonomically uncomfortable travesty which I’d learned only during past month was something called the “P-51,” and we hated it.But quickly, over time, I’d managed to lose track of every single one of the items I’d brought back from training with me, the last lone survivor having mysteriously vanished sometime roughly around 2004 or so. Believing that they had all gone the way of the dinosaur, along with our sarcastically beloved “C-Rations,” it wasn’t until only very recently that the thought had occurred to me that just MAYBE there might be a market for obscure items such as this in the “online” arena. Imagine my surprise when I learned that these things were not nearly as rare & obscure as I’d imagined!The “5-pack” is just perfect! Now, in order to make sure I never lose track of them as before, I’ve looped one onto each of my keyrings (primary & back-up) and placed the other inside the pocket of my army duffel bag (which is where I’d stored my final hold-out before it inexplicably faded into the ether), so now there should be no more (or very rare few) bizarre vanishing acts.As for the units themselves, I couldn’t ask for more: they are well made, sharper than they appear, and have a very smooth (almost too smooth) operation… needless to say, I’m very impressed with such a seemingly “little” thing. The units I’d purchased from the seller “Gadgetscollection” are indeed stamped “US Shelby Co.”, but you may want to verify that they are so designated before deciding to purchase from any of the various sellers. Cheers!

The ole military can opener
Best think since sliced bread. So much better than any electric can opener on the market.

This was the only kind of can opener we had growing up. I used one of these from about age 6 as it was my job to feed the cat. If you’ve never used one, it may take a bit of practice. These are the smaller ones, ideal if you are a camper. I ordered large ones a few months ago, but didn’t get on with them. I actually have been using one that was my dad’s, the same one I used as a child 58 years ago, I only ordered these because I was worried my old one would get lost constantly moving it between the house & camper. I’ve tried many different types of can opener over the years, but they were either bulky, awkward to use or failed. These small size ones can be used to open any size of can. You can put this on your key ring if camping, boating etc… It takes seconds to open a can, though I imagine it could be challenging if you have arthritical hands. This is the P38 size. Very durable.

After a delay of months … guessing it was lost in the mail … they showed up regardless… Thanks again US Shelby Co… awesome