Can Openers – A Brief History Lesson

The can opener we all know and love today dates back to 1925, although it was only a minor modification to the original 1870 design, adding a jagged edge to the cutting wheel. It is a testament to their utility that the only change since has been the introduction of electric can openers, but electric can openers are still by no means ubiquitous, and it is rare to find a kitchen that doesn’t possess a can opener in the classic design

Even though pull-to-open cans were invented 50 years ago, people still open millions of cans every day using can openers, as cans are much cheaper to manufacture when they don’t include a ringpull. There is also a certain nostalgia value in opening a can with a can opener if you haven’t done it for a while – although it can also be a little dangerous if you cut yourself on the sharp metal edge of the can’s top.

However, the classic wheel design is not the only kind of can opener around. Another one that is very common is the P-38 pocket can opener, used in the army and often given out with food aid in the developing world. It is much cheaper to make than a normal can opener, as it uses much less metal, consisting only of a metal blade with a ‘hook’. For the experienced, it can even be much faster to use than a normal can opener, and it is certainly easier to carry and store.

He is the owner of can opener guides, For more information on can-openers please check out www.canopeners-guidance.info

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