How to Use a Can Opener

What Is a Can Opener?

A can opener is a small, sharp-edged tool designed to cut open metal food cans by piercing and slicing around the lid’s edge. The simple survival-style can opener—like the one on many Grim Workshop cards and micro tools—is a compact, vertical design with a pointed tip and flat handle. It’s similar to a “military” or “P-38 style” opener, but ours is even smaller, flatter, and more versatile for field carry.

Unlike big kitchen models with gears and handles, this version relies on hand leverage. It takes a little practice, but once you learn the motion, you can open a can quickly, quietly, and without power or bulky gear—an invaluable skill in survival, camping, or emergency situations.

Why a Compact Can Opener Is Handy

Grim’s compact can openers are designed for people who travel light and prepare smart. They fit into your wallet, Altoids tin, or even as part of a necklace or keychain setup. Because they’re made from hardened stainless steel, they’re not just for food—they double as small cutting, scraping, and prying tools when needed.

This minimalist style has been used by soldiers and outdoorsmen for decades because it’s lightweight, reliable, and built to work anywhere—from your kitchen to a backwoods camp.

How to Use a Can Opener 

1. Inspect Your Tool

Your can opener will have two key parts:

• A sharp pointed tip (this pierces the lid)

• A flat or slightly curved edge (this rests on the can rim for leverage)

2. Position the Can

Set your can on a stable, flat surface. Avoid holding the can in your lap—it can slip and cut you.

3. Pierce the Lid

Hold the can opener vertically, with the pointed tip facing down toward the lid’s edge.

• Press the tip against the inside edge of the lid’s rim.

• Push down firmly until the tip punches through the lid—you’ll feel and hear a pop.

• Keep your free hand well clear of the point.

4. Cut Around the Lid

Once the tip is in the metal:

• Rock the tool forward and down, using the tool as a pivot on the can’s rim.

• Move the opener slightly along the edge and repeat—stab, rock, move—making small overlapping cuts.

• Continue this motion around the entire lid until it loosens enough to lift with the opener’s flat edge or your fingers.

• If your having trouble with leverage, you can attach a keychain to the back of the can opener and use it for additional leverage

With practice, the process becomes smooth and rhythmic: punch, rock, slide.

5. Remove the Lid Safely

Use the flat edge or a stick to lift the lid—don’t use your fingers. The metal edge will be razor sharp. Discard or bend the lid edge down to prevent injuries later.

6. Clean and Store

Wipe your tool dry after use to prevent rust, especially if you opened wet or acidic foods.

Bonus Uses for a Can Opener

That sharp point and sturdy edge make it more than just a lid cutter. With care, you can also use it as:

• A scraper – Remove bark, scale fish, or scrape resin.

• A puncture tool – Start holes in tin, plastic, or light wood.

• A light pry bar – Open paint cans, lids, or small containers.

• A screwdriver substitute – The flat side works for large screws in a pinch.

• A fire striker – If made of carbon steel, it can throw sparks off a ferro rod.

It’s a small tool with big versatility—especially when weight and space matter.

FAQ: Using a Can Opener

Q: Why not just use a knife to open cans?
You can, but it’s unsafe and dulls your blade fast. The can opener’s angled tip is designed to pierce safely and cleanly.

Q: What’s the difference between Grim’s can opener and the old military P-38?
Grim’s version is slimmer, reusable in flat kits, and designed for modern EDC—made from the same tough steel as our Survival Cards.

Q: Can I use this opener on pop-top cans?
You don’t need to—those open by hand. But the opener can help pry up stuck pull-tabs.

Q: What if I don’t have a flat surface?
You can hold the can between your feet on the ground for stability, but keep your hands clear and move slowly.

Q: How do I clean it after use?
Wash with water and mild soap, dry thoroughly, and apply a tiny bit of oil if you’re storing it long-term.

Q: Does it work on other containers?
Yes. It can puncture or open paint cans, fuel tins, or sealed metal containers—just use caution and control.

Complete Your Kit

Pair your Can Opener with:

• → Explore all tools with can openers on them
  
  

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