All About Pocket Knives

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.

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'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.

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.

Just in case there's that one individual out there that doesn't know what they are or the difference in them.

Thanks for that visual reference Jerry, mine was a P38.

I had not heard of the P-51. I want one.

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.

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.

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. mine wouldn't stay closed.

I 'scotch' taped mine shut. Easy to undo if I wanted to use it. Now I am going to look for the bigger one.

Unfortunately I took it off years ago. Have no idea where it might be, IF I still have it.

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.

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

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

Those P-38's are leg cutters. I used my Buck 110, but kept that P-38 on my keychain. ftd

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