I first put my P-38 on my keyring over 10 years ago, and it has been there ever since. Keeping it there has saved the day in a number of instances. What is a P-38? It is a can opener. Designed as a throwaway item intended for one-time use, it will last forever. They were given out with canned C-Rations, which have been replaced by un-canned Meals Ready to Eat (MRE’s), so that P-38’s are no longer standard equipment.
This little tool has an amazing history. Anyone who is familiar with the military (indeed, with any part of the government) knows that they do not do anything fast. In 1942 the P-38 was conceived, designed, prototyped and went into production in less than 30 days. For the Government to do anything in less than 30 days is a phenomenal accomplishment.
The P-38 is designed to do one thing; open cans. As such it is an amazingly effective device. It opens any classic tin can, any time, any place. It runs forever. No batteries required. Fully portable. Self-protecting. Cost is zilch. No users manuals or tutorials.
Fortunately for us, it also does more than just open cans. Without further ado, here are 43 reasons that I carry my P-38:
- can opener (duh!)
- all-purpose toothpick
- fingernail cleaner
- splinter remover
- flat-head screwdriver – use one of the ends
- phillips-head screwdriver – use one of the corners
- bottle opener
- box cutter
- letter opener
- chisel
- stirrer
- neck slasher (women used to carry to use in case of attack)
- seam ripper
- cut fishing line
- open paint cans
- window scraper
- scrape around floor corners
- digging
- clean out groove on Tupperware lids
- reach in and clean out small cracks
- scrape around edge of boots
- {in the field} gut fish
- {in the field} scale fish
- test for “doneness” when baking on a camp fire
- prying items
- strip wire
- scrape pans in the field
- lift key on flip top cans
- barter
- marking tool
- deflating tires
- measurement
- striking flint
- puncturing plastic coating
- knocking on doors
- Morse Code
- write emergency messages
- scratch an itch
- save as a souvenir
- rip off rank for on the spot promotion
- carburetor repair tool
- bee sting removal tool (scrape off w/ blade)
- knife sharpener
My trusty P-38 has come in handy numerous times. More than once I have gone on a camping trip and no one thought to bring a can-opener, even though everyone brought canned food. Fortunately, I was prepared (and it’s always humorous to watch the un-initiated use a P-38 for their first time.) I have even saved members of other groups, such as the unfortunate lady who walked around half of the campground looking for a can opener before getting to our site.
Besides a can-opener, I often use my P-38 for a screw driver; I have tightened glasses, fixed equipment at work, opened battery compartments when geocaching and more! I cannot stand having dirt underneath my nails, and so frequently use this to clean underneath my nails (I sterilize it on a regular basis, as well!) Without repeating the list above, suffice it to say that my P-38 is the most commonly used tool on my keyring and I feel lost without it.
Think you could use a P-38? You can grab one here, or G.I. P-38 Can Openers (15 Pack)get a number of them and share. Or keep them all for yourself and store them in various places: keychian, glovebox, tacklebox, mess kit, etc.
If the 1.5″ P-38 is smaller than you want, you can always try its big brother, the P-51. At 2″ long, it is still convenient enough to carry daily, but is easier and faster than the smaller P-38. The larger size affords more leverage and doesn’t require as much thumb pressure to use. They are especially good for smaller or arthritic hands.
Get yourP-38 or P-51 today, you never know when it’ll come in handy!
That thing’s cool.
Too bad hubby didn’t keep his π
Useful indeed.
They are very useful, have had mine for 50 years……
I love my P-38. Grabbed for it today and realized my keys were in the other room. Had to settle for using the screw driver on my Swiss Army Knife. π
You could get him one as a gift.
I saw on the list one of the uses for the p 38 was a knife sharpener. I was wondering how do you sharpen a knife with the p 38? Just curious.
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I’ve had a P 38 ever since Vietnam. I prefer the slightly larger P 51 now.
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Well I fer one damn sure kept my very first one from P.I. in 69. Now also have a P -51, a little larger / more leverage. OOORAH & SEMPER FI.
I have mine since 1953 ,it can with C rations we had on your ship,when we transported Marines for landing ops
The p-38 is also known as the John Wayne
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I have my Great Uncle’s from WWII on my key ring. It has come in handy many times. Once you get used to it you can open a can in a matter of seconds.
I took a 1962-dated G.G. Greene P38 from a case of C-rations in 1963, and had it on my dog tag chain until my discharge in 1965. Now, I have given it to a grand-nephew who is going into the Army this month (July 2018). By the time he is discharged, that P38 will have had a military career which encompassed 58 years. A real keeper.
I HAD mine for 7 years, i just lost it yesterday.
I had it on my cellphone strap, and I just got a new case! FUCK!
I juzt bot a snake hook, it’s time to go dumpster diving! I’m getting that BACK!
“Toothpick”? How wide at the gaps between you teeth? Jeez.
Uh, the opener comes down to a point, like a pick
I NEVER go anywhere without mine. Still have my original from the Army in ’69, and a lot more stashed places where I can get to it. Camping, key rings, home garage dog tags. etc. Like they said about a certain credit card…”don’t leave home without it”.
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