PREP Do You Carry a P-38?

RCSAR

RCSAR

Veteran Member
I should ask how many do you have.

I have had many since I was a young pup. I think it is one of the most useful doodads around at just a few cents each. I still have not wore one out opening a can.

I have one on every keyring. Many on nails in the pantry and always a few in each toolbox. All mine are US Speaker made

If you have canned goods you should have at least a few dozen. Plus a few dozen more to hand out. Here is a link that tells the story of them.
http://www.georgia-outfitters.com/page52.shtml

If someone knows where I can pick some more up cheap I would love you to post a link.

modernusshelbyp38.jpg
 
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Wiscontessa

Wiscontessa

Senior Member
I have a couple of them (somewhere), but don't carry them because I kept getting stabbed by them. They wouldn't stay folded. How do you keep them closed, or is that just the way they are?
 
WVtreehanger

WVtreehanger

Senior Member
I have a few packed with prep cans of food but use the can opener on my Swiss army knife or Leatherman for everyday type use. As to keeping the P-38 from unfolding and jabbing, perhaps a small rubber band or an appropriate sized strip of the handyman's secret weapon: duck tape.
 
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eXe

eXe

Techno Junkie
I have many, but always keep one of the larger ones on my keychain for whatever I may need.

I have used them to open cans as well as about a thousand other things around the house.. like taking the plastic off CDs, opening bubble packs of stuff, cutting thin string.. they are very handy.
 
Satanta

Satanta

Stone Cold Crazy
_______________
I used to then found it was easier to use the can opener on my multitool to make those triangle drink openings around the top then use the pliers to rip the metal off.


Easier on the fingers than the P38 and a bit faster plus my blade makes an ok fork.
 
Walker10

Walker10

Veteran Member
Shoot, I still carry the first P-38 I ever got in the Army. Got it in maybe March 1971 and came in a B-2A kit that was canned the same month and year I was born, Dec. '52.
 
I

ichoric

Senior Member
If you have canned goods you should have at least a few dozen. Plus a few dozen more to hand out. Here is a link that tells the story of them.
http://www.georgia-outfitters.com/page52.shtml
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link...I actually ordered a BUNCH of these (almost on accident...they were cheap, but I entered the wrong # in my shopping cart online)...and I still haven't been able to figure out how they're supposed to work. Heck, I don't even remember where I put them.

I bought mine here: http://www.nitro-pak.com/product_info.php?products_id=1133 (along with my PRI-D.)
 
The Flying Dutchman

The Flying Dutchman

Deceased
Pass Go said:
I carry a Walther P-38 as a back-up pistol.

The can opener P-38 is always on my key chain.
Click to expand...

I never like the 'light' cal.. But I will have to say, the old pistol is and has always been reliable. I have the walter P-38 "american". And because the round is always available overseas, then the ole .45 is....
 
S

sis

Deceased
Really good video, which shows how to use the P-38 Military Can Opener. Also shows the difference between the P-38 and the P-51.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXuWNCkuHV4&NR=1

Expains why theres' a hole in the corner of each one. Cool. I'll have to look for the P-38 I've got around here somewhere and stick it in my BOB now that I know how to use it. :^)
 
O

Old Futz

Inactive
Yup. They were the prized souvenir of the rations (unlike paper sleeping bags) back in the smoke chasing days for the USFS. They're a bit of a multi-tool as well, including driving screws and wedging. For those of us on dialup, what's the hole used for besides carrying?
 
S

sis

Deceased
According to the video, most guys use the hole to attach the co to a key chain, but the hole was originally designed to hook a wire through so the can opener could be dipped in boiling water to keep it clean.

Also, it's called the P-38 because it took 38 punches to go around a can.
 
Safecastle

Safecastle

Emergency Essentials Store
We put P38s or P51s in our Mountain House 3-case kits WHEN we have them on hand. My guess is that we've been able to enclose them in roughly half of the 3-case kits we've sent out through the years.

So many of you have them and may not even realize it if you have ordered a three case kit from us.
 
Michigan Majik

Michigan Majik

FreeSpirit, with attitude
Thanks for the video, Sis.
My SO still has several from Nam. He makes it look so easy to use. I have a difficult time, and prefer the bigger P51.
 
Mr. Mason

Mr. Mason

Membership Revoked
Nice prep item! I bought a couple commerical swingline hand can openers for my preps but these things would be nice trade items. I think we will be suprized just how many people don't even own a non-electric can opener when TSHTF. There's a seller right now on EBAY that has thousands of the P-51's for sale in lots of 12, 24, 50, etc.

I just picked up 50 for 24.38

Here's a auction for 24 for 15.59.

http://cgi.ebay.com/p51-p-51-p-51-c...ryZ36074QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
NBCsurvivor

NBCsurvivor

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Wiscontessa said:
I have a couple of them (somewhere), but don't carry them because I kept getting stabbed by them. They wouldn't stay folded. How do you keep them closed, or is that just the way they are?
Click to expand...

I use a twisty tie (from the packs of garbage bags) to hold mine from opening in the pocket.
 
Caplock50

Caplock50

I am the Winter Warrior
Hmmm, maybe it's its age that lets it open in the pocket. I got mine back in the '70s, and it stays closed. I actually have to fight it open...somewhat. And I can open a can with it faster than any other way. And yep, it *is* a 'multi-tool'.
 
B

bakodgid

Contributing Member
I've been carrying mine since I was about twelve. It came in handy this weekend when my wife forgot the can opener while we were camping. Always prepared.
 
RCSAR

RCSAR

Veteran Member
Did the .mil ever issue a P-51 or is that a commercial thing?

I want a P-51 but I want a mil issue. I just don't put much stock in the quality of aftermarket things.

If the commercial 51s are good let me know. Beats opening a can with a Kabar.
 
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T

Turnpike Jim

Inactive
I can't say for sure, but I don't think the larger one is Military issue. I tried one years ago and was not impressed. The P-38's work great for many years. We also have them everywhere. I opened 4 large cans of beans Saturday and now my right arm won't open all the way. This may be the first known P-38 injury recorded. Also try to get the genuine item. The knock-offs just don't match up.

Jim
 
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