How to Use a Camp Can Opener

Last Updated: October 19, 2022 References Tested

Food cans and can openers are often included in backpacking and camping supplies. Canned foods need only be opened and heated over a fire to provide hearty fare. If you want to limit the weight and bulk of camping supplies, take a camp can opener. This flat metal device is about half the size of a standard spoon, and it's often available for less than $5 (3.6 euros or 3.1 pounds). It is sometimes referred to as a military can opener, because they are a standard issue for military personnel in a number of countries. This article will tell you how to use a camp can opener.

Steps

1
Hold the can opener securely with your finger gripping the flat surface of the can opener (not the blade). Your index finger should fit between the other side of the flat surface and the back of the small blade.^{[1]
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- Camp can openers are made for use with the right hand. If you are left handed, make sure you are comfortable using your right hand to open the can, or you may be cut by the blade.
2
Hold the can firmly with your left hand.

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3
Place the flat surface of the can opener and your thumb perpendicular to the rim of the can. The blade should go over the inside edge at the top of the can. The point on the blade will rest on the inside edge, where you want to cut the can.^{[2]
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4
Turn your right hand down as if you were turning a key in a car's ignition. This will cause the blade to insert into the top of the can.^{[3]
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5
Move your right hand slightly back and turn the can opener like a key again.^{[4]
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6
Turn the can counterclockwise with your left hand so that you can allow your right hand better access to the un-cut edge of the can.
7
Continue to turn the can opener into the uncut edges with your right hand, as you move it with your left hand, until the edge of the can top is completely cut.^{[5]
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8
Clean your camp can opener. Close it at the hinge before storing.

Warnings

Never allow children to use a camp can opener. Unlike other can openers, the edge is exposed and it is smaller than a child's mouth.

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