P-38 U.S. Military "John Wayne" Survival Can Opener

Sensible Survival Presents: The P-38 / P-51 U.S. Military Can Opener. We demonstrate the use and give you a little history about this legendary tool. A necessary part of your Survival Kit and/or Bug Out Bag. Used by the U.S. Military from 1942 until 1980 as a dependable means to open cans.
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Thanks for watching~

[@videomaniac108]

When I was in the Army in the late 60s I carried the P-38 on my dog tag chain around my neck. Our C-ration kits were supposed to include a P-38, but we felt better having one on our person. I used that P-38 as a backup can opener years after I got out of the Army. It never failed to function, which was more than I could say for many of the fancy store-bought can openers.

[@wwj745]

I still have mine on my key chain and use it when I am out fishing.

[@lyndayates7533]

My ex was USMC. I always carry one with me. Can openers are crap today. Or kinnopeners as I am seeing on Google and Amazon lmao.

[@smerchly]

@@wwj745 Carp anglers use can corn for bait so this little can opener can be very handy .

[@wwj745]

@@smerchly That is exactly what I use it for.

[@smerchly]

Too much of our store bought items are made very cheaply in China . And they are designed to break down in order to sell you another one , and the governments get more taxes .

[@Katsandoval-p8d]

When I was 15 my father moved me from Humboldt Park,Chicago to a tiny south Alabama town.My dad was at work and all we had to eat was a can of tamales.I was starving and our electric can opener quit working.I started walking to our hillbilly neighbor's house across the field.I never met them so I was really scared.He met me on the porch and said "hold on maam and ill get my p38".I thought he meant some kind of military rifle.So I start running back home across the field.He yells "hold up maam hold up!".I'm thinking im going to die being a hispanic girl trespassing on his property so I freeze.He says in a deep voice"gimme yur can".He pulls out this tiny piece of metal and magically opens my can of tamales in 10 seconds.He says "thar ye go maam" and hands me my can of opened tamales.It was frlm that day forward that I loved southerners and living in a tiny southern town.My neighbor died last summer,and I still keep his p38 can opener.I will always keep it in a safe spot.That's how I learned about this amazing little tool lol.

[@Studmuf-Rockin]

Thanks for sharing that fun story, haha! Hope you and your family is doing well, never judge a book by it's cover. What a swell guy your neighbor was.

[@Katsandoval-p8d]

@@Studmuf-Rockin Yes he was a wonderful man.We are doing great here.Thank you.

[@Studmuf-Rockin]

@@Katsandoval-p8d Yes ma'am, thanks again and have a blessed life.

[@sg3071]

Very good story!!! :-)

[@sim0n2k38]

Yo wtf maam

[@usmchs2993]

I still have my 1st John Wayne from Parris Island Boot camp in 1973. It still works.

[@stanleydenning]

I keep a P-38 on my key ring. I've done that for over 50 years. Only had to use it once.

[@kevinpembrook2120]

ON WHAT DID YOU NEED TO USE A P-38??????

[@kevinpembrook2120]

CAN

[@Emiliapocalypse]

kevin pembrook he probably used it to crack open some young punk’s skullcap 😁

[@johnherbert1431]

Hahaha that's exactly how it is with mine lol

[@felixmadison5736]

I used one of these quite often when I was serving in Vietnam with the army in 1969. A handy little gadget that worked like a charm on the c-ration cans.

[@siszam]

My father was retired Army and carried a p38 on his key chain till he passed away.

[@kevinpembrook2120]

YOUR POINT???????

[@derp8575]

@Nawal Ahmed Damn. Kevin must prefer planned obsolescence despite being an environmentalist Liberal. Screw these Marxist scumbags.

[@huntrezz01]

Is that real story???

[@derp8575]

@@huntrezz01 What would it take for you to believe the OP?

[@jffrocks]

Yep, I have a blued steel WWII vintage P-38 that has been in my possession since I was a kid in the 1950's

[@johnpark7784]

I bought a P-38 at a sporting goods store to keep as a backup for emergencies, but didn't have the slightest clue on how it was used. Thanks for doing the demo.... very helpful!!

[@lengthmuldoon]

Thing of beauty, effective and simple

[@notthebeaver1532]

When I first came across a P-38, 40 years ago, they were on a dog tag chain, made sense to me. So that's where I kept it. Works for other things as well, improvised in the field.👍👍👌👌

[@gazedrop]

I still have the same P-38 on my keyring that I've had since I was 10. It's opened lots of cans, loosened many screws, and done more than it's fair share of prying!

[@fastone66b]

I still have one of those from my days in the Marines. They (John Wayne) became obsolete when MREs came along. I carried it on my keyring for many years after leaving the military.

[@235buz]

+Eric B. I was a tank commander in the Corps. I still have my John Wayne I had in 1972

[@cheesefries7436]

0:45 When I bought my house a few years ago my grandmother gave me a can opener like that. She bought it in the 60s, it has served 3 generations. They don't make em' like they used to.

[@rave16912007]

I have been a fan of these can openers for a long time. Nice to see a review on these. With practice you can open cans really fast. This is truly the best can opener in the world. They dont break or rust. I too prefer the p-38.

[@zenmasterofslack]

i have my p38 on my key chain... hate getting poked with it ,but great to have at all times

[@angryagain68]

I love it when someone asks for a can opener, and i hand them my p38 on my key ring. then i stand there waching them try to figure out what the hell i just handed them and watch them try to figure out how to use it. A few times. they've just brought it back to me, while scratchin there heads.

[@gunbutter830]

I hav carried one of these on my car keys for nearly 30 years. I’ve opens hundreds of cans for various reasons. I consider it an essential carry item.

[@Herfmonster]

I've kept one on my Key chain since I found out about them shortly after I joined the Army. Haven't used it in a while but I'm never without it

[@TarHeelBrit]

Forgot to mention I use a smal 1/4" x 1/16" inch magnet to keep the blade closed on my keys.

[@grigorirasputin5020]

Now THAT, is a great idea!!!! I used to keep one on my key ring until after I got re-circumcised and an unintentional vasectomy, courtesy of that little blade coming open in my pants pocket. 😯

[@TrentAyers]

I have like 12 of these just in all my packs. Once you have used them you are pretty much addicted to how little space they take up. They can open letters, you can cut paracord with them. They are even good as dangles on fishing lures! I too like the P38 better. Both of them work if you go slower and take your time, but the John Wayne 38 just seems to be better suited to opening most cans with less slippage. Good video. Made me smile and warmed my heart a little to see these covered, Sootch!

[@tommunyon2874]

My grandmother had an old GI-style can opener at her old house in rural Kansas. It went with the pump & well, the wood-burning stove, and the outhouse. We kids loved " roughing it" when we visited. She did have a modern refrigerator and dial telephone.

[@a2pha]

The LIP ! God bless you ! I was looking at other videos and absolutely no-one else mentioned the lip, they just started into the can showing how "easy" it was. And I tried to just stick the blade into the can and was starting to believe it wasn't sharp enough as I could not do what they were. NO-ONE mentioned the little lip you literally CLIP into the side of the can. You MUST do this to cut the can open. Now I'm seeing use from these marvels and opening my dinner for the night with one. Thank you so much !

[@joeltowle2737]

Makes a nice fingernail cleaner! Also use to use it to tighten the screw on my Ruger Blackhawk ejecter.

[@RahFPV]

I'm just a city boy trying to build a bug out bag and a motorcycle camping setup. thank you for this tutorial. I really enjoyed the extra information

[@sarabrusa9449]

Oh thanks for this video.. Been trying to open a pumpkin pie mix for the past hour. All I had was this military can opener. 👍😂

[@Tenkai917]

I've carried a p38 on my key ring for around twenty years now. It has come in handy on innumerable occasions and never failed.

[@seriousb3449]

Most can openers made these days work great for about a year. .. always good to have one of these. I bought a pack of 10 a while back.

[@TarHeelBrit]

Both my wife and I have P-38's on our keys. To be honest we've not used them to open cans but they make great emergency screwdrivers. Never be without one.

[@gomezdrhotmailcom]

Great video, I am on a short tour right now and I use the P-38 to open all my cans. Not because I am in survival mode, but because I am to cheap to buy another can opener. It works great and I love keeping a few of these around at all times.

[@MrHondaguy1]

I love both P-38/51 can openers. I use them all the time and even carry one on my keychain at all times.

[@oicu812brazell8]

I'm 50 years old and have been using my dad's since I was a teenager and he used it from the mid 60s until he gave it to me. It still works great.

[@Sheepdog66]

I just used mine because my current can openers are junk and this little device worked great. I have the P38. thanks fir the tutorial.

[@carlchristensen584]

Dad always had one of these on his key chain. On one vacation (we always had at least two meals at a park or roadside rest area) we discovered that the can opener didn't get packed into the picnic basket. Here came dad to the rescue. To this day, I wonder if this was simply mom telling dad that she appreciated how handy he was.

[@thomasgarrison3949]

I still have a P-38 on my dog tags from back in the 70s, it always works & a dog tag cover keeps it quiet.

[@donovanbaptistevirk3999]

I bought a p-51 in memberance of my grandfather. Hes always carried an old school one of his keychain im not sure from where or what model but the p-51 i chose from the store. He used to use his can opener all the time in the house and camping and it had quite the patina. I wish we had found it when he passed. I miss him more then anyone else in my life gone including my failure of a father.

[@ukpaul9221]

Many, many thanks, dear buddy. I used one of these years ago but when I got it out to put together my camping gear for the Spring, I couldn't remember how to use the blessed thing! You have broken the spell and I'm sincerely grateful. I recall them being a brilliant solution and although, at 76, I've given up backpacking and just intend to do 'lightweight' standing camps where weight is not really a crucial issue, these cut down down on bulk and packing space too good to give up on. Cheers again, good buddy Best wishes to you and yours across the pond Paul

[@georgespeck2289]

i own some some p 38 openers by Shelby Corp. I lost mine I got in 1969.

[@MrGiXxEr]

These are great! I always have my p-51 on my keychain. You can pick up these for about 50 cents at our surplus store. You know, they also work for taking the tops off of soda cans too without leaving a sharp edge and it leaves you with a "cup" of soda instead. The "can cups" also double as a good spitoon when you need one. Dont believe me? Try it once. Good video *****Stars

[@CorbinAce]

I still have three P38 can openers in my kitchen drawer from 1958 when I was in the Army. I could never tell how many times I moved since 1958. I even moved from Boston to Florida in 1974 and still my old P38s are in the drawer.

[@JeffNewton508]

I picked up a P-38 from a Veteran's event that I was doing yesterday here in Oregon, now that I've watched these things in action, what an amazing tool to use to in one's survival or go kits, mine is now on my key chain!

[@NGMonocrom]

I have a handful of cheap can-openers in my junk drawer. The one I reach for most often is the P-51 I've got in there. Love the extra gripping surface for the thumb over the P-38. Once a person learns the proper technique, these little purpose-made tools are fantastic at getting the job done.

[@cornbread2012jc]

I carry my grandfather's P38 it was manufactured in 1962 and still works like brand new it's on my key ring now and I've used it more then you would think

[@earlelzy7243]

I'm 57 years old and served in the USMC and never knew that bit of trivia about these and have both. Even the one I got in boot camp in 1982.

[@felixmadison5736]

The closest John Wayne came to combat...using a p-38 in a training film!! LOL!!!

[@ch2507d]

Used to get them with each can of sardines you bought in the shop until 1991 in ex-YU. Had it also for a few days around my neck but it opened and dug into my chest when I hit the dirt in boot camp so I put it in the cap edge 😂

[@waseem1173]

Wow . simplicity at its best. pure genius . amazing little tools . definitely getting some

[@borderlander2260]

Great info! Dad gave me his P-38 from his time in Nam, I leaned to use it and much prefer it over the 51. Just seems to cut smoother and lot better, that’s just me though.

[@GitcheG75]

I'll be gettin' me a couple of these tomorrow, sootch00! Thanks for the post, man!

[@ambee514]

Thanks for making this video, I just got one of these and had no idea how you are supposed to use it.

[@jamesmichalek5406]

ambee514 , you nan drive screws with this, but your hands will sting like hell after a few. Phillips heads, too.

[@GlitchMaster0001]

I got like 10 of the p-51 can openers for like 60 cents a pop recently. Great buy!

[@c4arla]

You're an angel!! Lol i had struggled so much with this pocket opener!

[@gnashings]

cool! great little bits of trivia and little known facts, as always!

[@joehenry420]

My dad had one on his key chain and it was still sharp.

[@hyper_channel]

Well, your video helped me today sir, needed a can opener and the supermarket only had these. Ofc I had no idea how to use them until I found your video and I got my food out of the can :D

[@TylerLL2112]

ordered some on battleboysurplus very happy with that site thanks sootch=)

[@thechevyscrounger]

ive carried one of the P-38's on my key chain for the last 25 years,used it as a small screw driver ,even used it to clean my nails ,i got a couple P-51's a few years ago at an army surplus but have never carried them i keep them in different cars, great video

[@jgizzy]

I love this song...good job, Steve Dennis!

[@tree2523]

Great video. Thank you.

[@green837]

Great vid Sootch, another win.

[@ILTOFU2010]

Have both, also used the P-38 Military "John Wayne" Survival Can Opener, with our ration packs in the 70s and 80s RCSCC ONTARIO Petty Officer First Class Retired 1986.

[@DreamsCatcher101]

I nearly chopped the end of my finger off with one of those years ago when i was about 12. BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THE SHARP EDGES OF THE REMOVED LID.

[@houndzark]

Thanks...helpful info! Jeff Newton, what was the OR Vet event you were involved with?

[@iJeeto]

Man, I love those things, especially the P-51. Nice n portable alternative to conventional openers.

[@USNERDOC]

Sootch - your reviews are always top notch with some interesting tidbits of historical information. Awesome vid! 5/5

[@ristin59]

Great video, man! I've had the P-38 for years, nice little tool! I've just ordered a couple of sets of the P-51 & P-38 and the code for 5% off does work. Thanks for the discount. Using a knife can be dangerous and you could screw up your Kabar's edge.

[@thorson7842]

I have had the p38, and the p51....well still do! But love the Walmart Coleman pocket can opener...they have a bottle opener, and a spoon built in now. You can also open up the can with a good metal spoons.

[@Xterra64]

The P-38 is still around in the military today. Cases of WRM drinking water (canned water), still have a P-38 taped inside the case.

[@iCapybara]

I've learned the basic common can openers (0:50) are okay so long as you don't squeeze too hard and create too much friction. The problem with the bigger fancier plastic ones is that they seem even less durable, and don't reach well enough for some lips. Aside from finding a rock or piece of concrete to scrape the can on, the basic seems all-round best for normal kitchens (including the other end in case the ring pull for some cans break). As for the P-38 - it looks like it provides a more focused and controlled leverage than the P-51 as far as cans go. A bit like the difference between handling a small knife vs a large one. Looks like the P-38 is able to open any can no matter how ridiculous the lip is!

[@nunya___]

Seems all modern can openers suck so I was looking for a backup and remembered these. I came here because I didn't know why there were 2 sizes. Thanks for the demo and info.

[@chairde]

Man does this bring back memories.

[@marythompson9222]

I like the p38 better, I have barely any food and am hungry and made some soup, 1 cup rice, 2 cup water, chicken bouillon and it's been a while since I had meat so with no can opener in this camper im in I dug out my p51 and got me a half a little can of chicken. I'm hungry so this is wonderful, little save your life item

[@djcoopes7569]

The Australian Army have a similar device known as the F.R.E.D - Field Ration Eating Device. Its very similar to the P38 but includes a spoon

[@0SPACE0BAR0]

Are you saying at 2:24 that the P-51 has more uses than the P-31? Does anyone know if the P-31 can also open the tray ration cans they talk about?

[@338killa]

thank you, i have always seen those and could never understand how that little scrap could open a can.

[@360chris88]

good video sootch keep up the good work

[@TrepidHen]

Thanks for the tutorial! This was great!

[@kevinpembrook2120]

I'D RATHER HAVE VD!!!!

[@mikael26288]

I loved the P-38 when I was in the Amry. Didn't care for the P-51 when they came out. One of the C Ration cans had crackers and a tin foil wrapped "John Wayne Candy Bar" in it. The P-51 would cut too deep into this can and tear up the foil on the candy bar. The little hole at the end of the can openers were great for carrying them on your dog tag chain, so you wouldn't lose it.

[@heikoplotner9924]

Best Can Opener for Outdoor. I collect some Types, P 38, P 51, Coglan P 51, Wanderfreund, P 38 from Rothco, P 38 from Svedish Army like WH Can Opener. They was OK.

[@MrGreblin]

iv had my p-38ince basic trainning and that was 30 years ago and it still going strong

[@fredbreuer5504]

Oh wow man. Real cool!

[@ckrose4163]

I need to buy one of these! I thought it was just my luck with can openers being crappy! I even had my barely used heavy duty hand one the same as yours break.

[@mbens9266]

I had one many years ago...worked very well & handy..

[@229theboss]

Thank you for the video huge help

[@DennyRec]

I have seen theses and had no idea how they worked. That was so simple. Think I need to get a couple of the smaller ones, one for pack back and one for mr gear at work. Thanks.

[@auralfury]

thanx for the info...good to have handy

[@KASPLARFO]

Amazing how something so small and simple can be so important. ★★★★★

[@rexlee3710]

Marines called it a John Wayne because in almost every one of his movies he would open a Can of Whip Ass.

[@michaelm3656]

I have my late father's p38 from Vietnam and it lives on my key chain. It opens anything from canned food when camping to soda cans for sunflower seed spittoons. Other than his dog tag on my keys it is my most sacred item of his.

[@timbrown5720]

P 38 on my keyring for 32yrs thus far.

[@jehugo66]

Great video and interesting stories about how it got it's name(s). I think my USAF Drill Instructor, a USMC Vietnam Vet from a decade before he got to screaming at me in 1986, Would've said (loudly) "If it takes you 51 or even 38 cuts around the can to open it you're more in danger of starving than dying from enemy fire." The names and labels everything and in a strictly utilitarian manner. Hence I believe your explanation of the millimeter measurement are the reasons for the names of these two tools. The military also always has at least one other unofficial name for everything and in this case at least two. I'd say whoever was. Behind Amy needs to CanOpener's did so for their size which differentiates the two, and the sizes can be remembered by having the same as two very fast plains of the time. I think it was a marketing to get the troops to except the canOpener's because initially it is hard to use however with practice like this fellow in the video who is an expert it becomes easy. Of course I never have seen that John Wayne training video. It sounds good but I would say you're more likely to see Ronald Ragan showing how to use these C-ration can openers. I'd say the Duke would take his K-Bar out, wipe the blood off on a greasy dirty rag, and then put it right through the side of the can-no matter what the size. Great video!

[@dukeman8481]

I know this is an old video, but I recommend people to get can openers that have metal hand crank / turn knob, as opposed to plastic. I know a lot of them these days are made of plastic which will break over time. Also there is a trick to open beer bottles without damaging the caps, but you need a can opener with a metal hand crank. You use the edge of the crank to lift the cap. In this case plastic crank either won't work very well or break easily over time.

[@Tjita1]

Can't help but getting the feeling the "not enough funds" is getting into play here.. ;)

[@britty2hottie842]

Wow. Those are cool.

[@vkturbo176hp]

The aussie army can opener is best has a spoon with it too. You can use cement to open it turn the can upside down go back and forward on the concrete with the can till you see a bit of moisture stop turn it over then pry the top open because of how they are put together just a small rolled edge. there is a vid on here called how to open a can without a can opener works like a charm.

[@markgreer6921]

I've 2 p38s for over 20 years and it's about the only can opener I use they r the best canopeners ever just got me 2 p51s

[@toyotrust]

wow!! that was easy, thanks for the info

[@Petra999]

I'm a college graduate and I felt real dumb when I opened up the package and couldn't figure out what the hell to do with this on my can of beans. Appreciate this decade old tutorial

[@redhedkev1]

cooking the franks and sauerkraut two days ago. held the can of beans and just could not find the kitchen opener. County Comm purchase a few years ago for bug out bag. I got the P51. It worked just fine.

[@lugee]

Do you know if they will work on the spam can ammo cans?

[@Bill23799]

I have carried a P-38 on my key ring since I served in the US Army in the 70's and 80's.

[@DD-bh3qq]

I see a brand called Couglins in outdoor stores. Do you recommend this one?