Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
P-38 can opener
The P-38 can opener is a small device found in a C-ration, the army field rations issued by the United States of America from World War II to the 1980s.
Nicknamed the "John Wayne" in some branches of the armed forces, the can opener is keychain sized and consists of a short metal blade that serves as a handle (and also a screwdriver to the resourceful), with a small, hinged metal tooth that folds out to pierce the can lid. A notch just under the hinge point keeps the opener hooked around the rim of the can as the device is "walked" around to cut the lid out. A larger version called the P-51 is somewhat easier to operate.
A similar device is currently employed by the Australian Army in its ration kits. It is known by the acronym "FRED" (Fucking Ridiculous Eating Device)
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