Know what this is ?

[Sauconian]

Folded sheet metal handle, 2-3/4'' closed w/o the lanyard ring. Single blade sharpened on one side only, and a folding can opener which is held closed by the lanyard ring.

Only mark is a diamond w/ three straight lines inside, which is stamped on the handle.

Olive drab painted finish makes me think it came in a military survival kit of some sort, or with rations, but I posted it here in case it's a second generation hotdog peeler or sumptin'.

Fran

[Forensic Jim]

Fran, It definitely looks to be military issue, but by whom, I wouldn't have a clue. I forget what we used to call the little can openers we would get with our field rations, P-32 or something like that.

[gringo]

perhaps an "in country" modification?
that outside blade looks to be from a p-38...thats what we called the c-rat can openers.

[jonet143]

the p38 is so useful it's been incorporated to a lot of applications.

[gringo]

just when i thought i knew all the different ways to cut myself...you show 11 more...

[zorrothegreyblade]

just when i thought i knew all the different ways to cut myself...you show 11 more...

[autoknife]

Folded sheet metal handle, 2-3/4'' closed w/o the lanyard ring. Single blade sharpened on one side only, and a folding can opener which is held closed by the lanyard ring.

Only mark is a diamond w/ three straight lines inside, which is stamped on the handle.

Olive drab painted finish makes me think it came in a military survival kit of some sort, or with rations, but I posted it here in case it's a second generation hotdog peeler or sumptin'.

Fran

A good friend of mine who isn't registered emailed me with this information to post:
Knife is American issue to the ARVN forces during the Vietnam War.
Knife was made in Japan.
As these were not issued to American Troops, they are quite rare.

[Sauconian]

Thank you A.K., and your friend too, for the information.

Why don't you register ' friend' ? It's easy, and we like new members.

Fran

[smiling-knife]

Very interesting knife Fran. Great collection of openers Johnnie s-k

Any more info on this patent... i.e., when did the folding opener attachment first appear? Thanks

[jonet143]

thanks s-k, but i stole the pic while trying to research fran's knife. i posted as info. i looked for an hour without any luck.

[Sauconian]

thanks s-k, but i stole the pic while trying to research fran's knife. i posted as info. i looked for an hour without any luck.

Jeezzz, Johnnie..sorry.....but it's not my knife.

I friend called to look at some new one's he'd just picked up, and this was the only one I wanted. He didn't want to sell this one, and didn't know what it was, so I offered to post it.

I don't think I said anything about returning it though.

But then....the mystery is solved....so I don't needed it anymore !

Fran

[jonet143]

that's ok, fran. i like doing knife research.

[zorrothegreyblade]

This is what I love about this site, excellent thread!