All About Pocket Knives

I have had a few Riggers knives pass through my hands over the years, some with 1 blade plus the spike, some with a second blade that looks like a large can opener. I'm pretty sure it's not a can opener though. I'm thinking it has something to do with shaving or splicing a line. Does anyone know the name of this blade and its purpose? I can't seem to find any info on it. Thanks

That was a style used on tin cans. Most early knives (and a few makers today) still use that style can opener. The modern British Army and Navy patterns for some stupid reason decide to use a huge claw type opener that's useless as a can opener--I guess more to function as a shackle key and hoofpick (it's blunt on the end)

I think the blade you are speaking of is a "Tin Opener", "tin" = British for "can"; short stout blade tapered both sides to a thick point, plus a stud on one side. Poke point through lid and then lever it around with stud resting on the rim.
kj

Some pics in here;

viewtopic.php?t=25134

like this CASE I assume? This one is a scarce 3 blade version made for Canadian Armed Forces between 48' and 52 as I recall.

Jerry

I should have added a photo from the start, sorry fellas,
here's the blade I'm talking about.

That is the 'Claw Type' opener that came after the pointed stout blade i mention (and is shown) above. A poster above says they are '"useless". I have never tried one.
kj

The one I have would be useless for opening cans. I always thought it was for slicing through canvas, sail cloth and such things. that would make more sense with the sharp edge at the bottom of the V.
Bruce

The sharp edge on the bottom cuts through the lid of the can as you lever up the handle with top of claw over can rim. Least that is how i think it works.
If that is your knife, try it out on a soup can, or beans. Guys always have a can of soup and a can of beans on hand for a quick meal.
kj

Berryb wrote:The one I have would be useless for opening cans. I always thought it was for slicing through canvas, sail cloth and such things. that would make more sense with the sharp edge at the bottom of the V.
Bruce

I'm with you Bruce. I too thought that's what it was for.