Add a Comment

Comment by Tobias Gibson on March 2, 2013 at 20:36

Apparently these old style can openers were brutal.  you jab the can, and then basically cut the can with upward motions.  The can opener would often slip out of the can and cause serious injury to the unsuspecting GI trying to open his k-rations.  The story has it the War department came tot he Camillus factory and explained they wanted a can opener that would cut on the down stroke instead of the upstroke.  One of the machinist in the factory Set about regrinding the cap-lifter screw-driver blade, giving it an internal cutting edge and the new  down stroke can opener was invented.  The guy then was hired by Imperial were he perfected the new down stroke can-opener.  Imperial then patented the device and the new safety can opener was invented.  The new style has been used ever since.

Featured Comment by Craig Henry on March 2, 2013 at 16:45

Nice old Vet!