Military Can Opener, P-51 Model, 2 Pack (#SMCN225)

A can opener? Really? The reality is that the world contains a heck of a lot of canned goods. In a survival or emergency situation, it’s easy to forget one of the best inventions in history: the can opener. Seriously.

Multi-tools are great, but if lost or broken, how are you going to get that can open? A knife? Don’t think so. And, using the wrong tool for this job exposes you to injury. So look, these are inexpensive, strong, proven and effective, and should be in your survival kit and in your car.

The design for these openers have been around since 1942. The P-38 version was issued in the canned field rations of World War II. This version is a larger version (a P-51 model) and is easier to operate because it takes less turns to open the can. They are seen in disaster recovery efforts and have been handed out alongside canned food by rescue organizations, both in the United States and abroad.

Hard to believe something this small can possibly prevent serious hunger. But it certainly can, and has done so for decades.

Survival and Emergency Preparedness Tip:
Before approaching a casualty, check for danger from falling debris and other dangers. Examine the patient before moving them, but if there is danger, move patient to safety using sound medical principles. For more information: See the Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine sold in our Books and Manuals section.

Survival and Emergency Preparedness Tips can be found on all the product pages on this site.