What is the difference between the P-38 and P 51 can openers?

The P-51 is the larger version of the P-38 and was often used by mess hall cooks to open the big trays and large cans of chow. The P-51 is a full 2″ long. Some prefer them over the P-38s because a P-51 will open cans much easier and faster and will last much longer than the P-38.

How much does a P-38 can opener cost?

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This item GI P-38 Can Opener (5-pack) P38 Can Opener 20pk
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What is the name of a military can opener?

US ARMY POCKET CAN OPENER
It’s official designation is ‘US ARMY POCKET CAN OPENER’ or ‘OPENER, CAN, HAND, FOLDING, TYPE I’, but it is more commonly known by its nickname, the P-38, which it supposedly acquired from the 38 Punctures required to open a C-Ration can.

What does the C stand for in C rations?

Airman’s Meal, Combat, Individual ration
A selection of United States military C-Ration cans from World War II with items displayed. A United States Airman’s Meal, Combat, Individual ration as served in Da Nang, Vietnam, circa 1966–1967. It is still commonly referred to as “C-Rations”.

What does the P stand for in P-38?

What does P stand for in p51 Mustang? The “P” stood for pursuit. It was the first long-range fighter escort, thanks to external fuel tanks, for bombers traveling from England to drop ordnance over Germany. It also was used in China and the Pacific, though late in the war.

What is John Wayne’s can opener?

The P-38 is known as a “John Wayne” by the United States Marine Corps, because of its toughness and dependability. The can opener is pocket-sized, approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm) long, and consists of a short metal blade that serves as a handle, with a small, hinged metal tooth that folds out to pierce the can lid.

When did the p38 can opener come out?

The P38 Can Opener is sometimes referred to as a John Wayne and “the Army’s Greatest Invention.” • These are stamped “US and US Shelby” – No imitation here. • Genuine GI Can Openers. • The P-38, developed in 1942, is a small can opener that was issued in the canned field rations of the United States Armed Forces from World War II to the 1980s.

What’s the difference between a P-38 and a standard can opener?

The P-38 is cheaper to manufacture than a standard can opener, and is smaller and lighter to carry. The device can be easily attached to a keychain or dog tag chain using the small punched hole. A U.S. Army C-ration with can opener, Da Nang, Vietnam, c 1966–1967. The P-38 is easily used.

Which is the correct way to open a P-38 can?

Left-handed users simply hold the P-38 in their left hand, with the cutting point aimed towards themselves, while holding the can to be opened in their right hand, while also reversing the sense of the cutting hand movements just described. By tradition, 38 cuts as just described were supposedly required to open a can of C-Rations.

How big is the handle on a can opener?

. The can opener is pocket-sized (approximately 1.5 inches, 38mm, in length) and consists of a short metal blade that serves as a handle (which doubles as a flat-blade screwdriver), with a small, hinged metal tooth that folds out to pierce the can lid.