P-51 can opener
P-51 can opener
I've always wondered what the big deal about these was. I had a knockoff P-38 with a NATO number on it--it was utter GARBAGE. Very soft steel, and wouldn't even puncture a can without bending. I prefer using my knife's can opener. Can't get the can on an electric one, and it's a little tricky wtih crank ones, especially the cheap ones (mine are Ecko from the '70s and a modern, French Nogent "Kim" that copies the Ecko). I was ordering some sharpening stones and other gear from a seller, and found they had the Shelby P-38 and P-51 for less than a half-buck each. They even threw in an extra P-38 by taping it to the paper my order was wrapped inside the box with.
As I understand, Mallin Shelby hardware went out of business in 1973, so they are quite old. Guessing Vietnam or before.
The P-38 is too small, in my opinion, Works, but is slow and cramps my hand. P-51 on the other hand--best can opener, EVER! Quick, relatively clean-cutting, and comfortable. And weighs practically nothing at all.
Will be buying more P-51s and adding them to keychains, as well as my knives with bails and no can opener.
As I understand, Mallin Shelby hardware went out of business in 1973, so they are quite old. Guessing Vietnam or before.
The P-38 is too small, in my opinion, Works, but is slow and cramps my hand. P-51 on the other hand--best can opener, EVER! Quick, relatively clean-cutting, and comfortable. And weighs practically nothing at all.
Will be buying more P-51s and adding them to keychains, as well as my knives with bails and no can opener.
Re: P-51 can opener
The p51’s are very cool. I had one for years but I lost it a few years ago when some miscreant stole our car out of the driveway (left the keys in it while we warmed it up to drive to work at 5:30 in the morning).
I used that little can opener a lot because it worked so well, I might have to get another one.
Thanks for posting that!
Jeff
I used that little can opener a lot because it worked so well, I might have to get another one.
Thanks for posting that!
Jeff
Hey … it’s a pocketknife for gosh sakes. I’m not selling the Mona Lisa….Bullitt4001
https://www.jfinamoreknives.com
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- jerryd6818
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Re: P-51 can opener
I've carried a P-38 on my key ring for a small forever. For me, it works just fine but I haven't used it in years. It's just an old friend and a comfort to know it's there. Had to put shrink tube on it because "my old friend" started coming open in my pocket and biting me. Maybe it was asking to be retired.
Forged on the anvil of discipline.
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.
This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.
"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.
This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.
"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
Re: P-51 can opener
Hmmm, mine may have been a P38, I remember getting it at a army surplus store many many years ago. I used it a bit when we used to go camping. A very simplistic design that simply did what it was designed to do.
Hey … it’s a pocketknife for gosh sakes. I’m not selling the Mona Lisa….Bullitt4001
https://www.jfinamoreknives.com
http://www.secondlifeknives.com
https://www.jfinamoreknives.com
http://www.secondlifeknives.com
- jerryd6818
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Re: P-51 can opener
Just in case there's that one individual out there that doesn't know what they are or the difference in them.
Forged on the anvil of discipline.
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.
This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.
"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.
This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.
"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
Re: P-51 can opener
Thanks for that visual reference Jerry, mine was a P38.
Hey … it’s a pocketknife for gosh sakes. I’m not selling the Mona Lisa….Bullitt4001
https://www.jfinamoreknives.com
http://www.secondlifeknives.com
https://www.jfinamoreknives.com
http://www.secondlifeknives.com
- tongueriver
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Re: P-51 can opener
I had not heard of the P-51. I want one.
- Steve Warden
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Re: P-51 can opener
I kept a P-38 on my key chain for a long time. It came with the MREs we got during an exercise. Used it on a few occasions to open cans, mostly used the flat tip as a screwdriver or pry tool. Pretty handy. Like Jerry's, eventually mine wouldn't stay closed. I finally got tired of jamming the point under a fingernail while reaching for my keys.
Take care and God bless,
Steve
TSgt USAF, Retired
1980-2000
But any knife is better than no knife! ~ Mumbleypeg (aka Ken)
Steve
TSgt USAF, Retired
1980-2000
But any knife is better than no knife! ~ Mumbleypeg (aka Ken)
- jerryd6818
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Re: P-51 can opener
I'm tellin' ya. Shrink tube is the answer. Easy off, easy on. Over a year and still going strong. My leg thanks me every time I put my jeans on.Steve Warden wrote: ↑Fri Dec 13, 2019 6:12 pm I kept a P-38 on my key chain for a long time. It came with the MREs we got during an exercise. Used it on a few occasions to open cans, mostly used the flat tip as a screwdriver or pry tool. Pretty handy. Like Jerry's, eventually mine wouldn't stay closed. I finally got tired of jamming the point under a fingernail while reaching for my keys.
Forged on the anvil of discipline.
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.
This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.
"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.
This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.
"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
- tongueriver
- Posts: 6840
- Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2008 8:01 pm
Re: P-51 can opener
I 'scotch' taped mine shut. Easy to undo if I wanted to use it. Now I am going to look for the bigger one.Steve Warden wrote: ↑Fri Dec 13, 2019 6:12 pm I kept a P-38 on my key chain for a long time. mine wouldn't stay closed.
- Steve Warden
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- Location: Cherry Hill, NJ
Re: P-51 can opener
Unfortunately I took it off years ago. Have no idea where it might be, IF I still have it.
Take care and God bless,
Steve
TSgt USAF, Retired
1980-2000
But any knife is better than no knife! ~ Mumbleypeg (aka Ken)
Steve
TSgt USAF, Retired
1980-2000
But any knife is better than no knife! ~ Mumbleypeg (aka Ken)
Re: P-51 can opener
I like the idea of having a p38 on a key ring for emergencies but it never really worked out for me. This is my solution. It hangs better and never bites me.
Does anyone know how many companies made p38’s / p51’s.
Does anyone know how many companies made p38’s / p51’s.
Re: P-51 can opener
This one is interesting it’s called a “Fred”. WW2 Australia military issue. Same opener with a spoon attached.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_R ... ing_Device
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_R ... ing_Device
- Old Hunter
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Re: P-51 can opener
Back in the C-Rats days I used the can opener on a Swiss Army knife (even though the P-38’s came with the C-Rats). When the MRE was first introduced (OD Green bag - mid 80’s I think) you needed a sharp knife blade - not for the package but for the meat! OH
Deep in the guts of most men is buried the involuntary response to the hunter's horn, a prickle of the nape hairs, an acceleration of the pulse, an atavistic memory of his fathers, who killed first with stone, and then with club...Robert Ruark
- fergusontd
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Re: P-51 can opener
Those P-38's are leg cutters. I used my Buck 110, but kept that P-38 on my keychain. ftd
"A pocketknife is a man's best friend!"
- jerryd6818
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Re: P-51 can opener
For $1.50 (don't know what the shipping is) you can get a couple of F.R.E.D.'s at ===► https://www.cheaperthandirt.net/ultimat ... gIxnvD_BwE
Forged on the anvil of discipline.
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.
This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.
"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.
This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.
"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012