Not Just a Can Opener: 14 Ways to Use the P-38 or P-51

Not Just a Can Opener: 14 Ways to Use the P-38 or P-51

While rucksacks, poncho liners, and vests might get more attention, the humble P-38 can opener has been called the “best army invention ever.” Also called a “John Wayne” by soldiers because of its toughness, the P-38 can opener is compact and lightweight enough to carry on your key ring. It is an amazingly versatile tool with a cool history and dozens of uses beyond just opening can, making it great for EDC and prepping.

You can getbulk packs of genuine P-38 can openers here.

History of the P-38 Can Opener

During WWII, the US Military introduced C-rations to feed the millions of soldiers in the field. The C-rations originally came with a key-type can opener that was attached to the bottom of each can. However, soldiers didn’t like the key opener and it was costly to produce, so the Military began searching for a new solution.

Major Thomas Dennehy, a soldier at the Army’s Subsistence Research and Development Laboratory (SRDL) came up with the design for the P-38 can opener. However, the design had a flaw: the blade would open when not in use and cause rips or cuts. Colonel Rohland A. Isker, who led the SRDL, explained the problem to local metal shop owner John W. Speaker. Speaker then came up with a special hinge that kept the blade snapped shut.

The entire process of designing, prototyping, and starting production happened in less than 30 days. Anyone who is familiar with how long it typically takes the military to get things done knows that this is nothing short of a miracle.

The JW Speaker metal factory would go on to manufacture over 50 million P-38 can openers. Later, the U.S. Shelby Co. took over manufacturing.

Where Did the Name P-38 Come From?

The official military name of the can opener is, “Opener, Can, Hand, Folding.” However, it’s always been called the P-38 by soldiers. There are a lot of ideas about where the name comes from.

The leading theory is that the “P” stands for “puncture” and 38 is the number of punctures it takes to open a standard C-ration can of food. Another theory is that the 38 stands for the length of the P-38 can opener, which is 38mm.

A final theory is that the 38 comes from the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter plane, because the P-38 can opener allowed soldiers to “open a can of food faster than the P-38 could fly.”

P-51: The Bigger Brother

The US Military also introduced a larger version of the can opener during WWII. This larger version was better for opening bulk ration cans with less thumb pressure.

Like with the P-38, the origin of the name P-51 is unclear. Some say it is because the P-51 took 51 punctures to open a can, and others say it is because of its 51mm length.

Retired After Nearly 40 Years of Use

In the 1980s, Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) rations replaced canned food. There was no longer a need for soldiers to have a can opener, so the P-38 was retired. Despite this, the P-38 remains a cherished memento for veterans and a favorite piece of EDC gear. There are many companies that make replicas of the P-38 can opener, but you can still find original ones in army surplus stores.

You canget original P-38 and P-51 can openers here. Also check out our selection of MREs and emergency food.

Uses for the P-38 and P-51 Can Openers

In addition to serving their original purpose of opening cans, the P-38 and P-51 have lots of other great uses for EDC and prepping. We’ve listed them below.

Below are the actual best uses for P-38 and P-51 can openers that will make you want one for EDC.

1. Fingernail pick
2. Box opener
3. Screw driver
4. Scrape mud off your boots
5. Ferro rod scraper
6. Measuring – the P-38 is 1.508 inches and the P-51 is 2.165 inches long.
7. Mini pry bar – especially useful for opening paint cans
8. Tear fabric – use for first aid situations where you don’t have medical shears for cutting clothing off the victim
9. AR and Scope tool
10. Gut fish
11. Cut fishing line
12. Scraper
13. Strip wire
14. Confusing kids from Gen Z who have no idea what it is

People will also claim many other uses for the P-38 and P-51 can openers, but some of them are a stretch. Regardless, the P-38 and P-51 can openers are cool tools that make a great addition to your EDC.

Sources:

https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/p-51-mustang-the-untamed-beast-of-the-skies,https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/the-p-38-pocket-can-opener-was-an-army-and-marine-icon/,https://www.army.mil/article/25736/the-best-army-invention-ever/,https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/the-great-p-38-can-opener-next-to-the-jeep-the-most-perfectly-designed-device-in-military-history/