A Bit of P38 Trivia:

The tiny, lightweight, P-38 collapsible can opener was originally developed in the Summer of 1942 by the Subsistence Research Laboratory in Chicago in just 30 days. This 1-1/2 inch collapsing metal tool that was developed to open C-Ration cans and used later for K-rations. The origin of the name is not exactly clear. Some say the "P" stands for puncture; the number "38" is how may times it took to go around the WWII "John Wayne Candy bar Can" and the hole in the top of the P-38 was used to dip it in boiling water to clean after use!!

Others say it performed with the speed of a P-38 fighter plane. Whatever the case, this little device has been considered one of the most perfect inventions ever designed for use in combat and is often called "the Army's Best Invention".

Most troops during WWI, Korea and even Vietnam carried it on their dog tags. Even today, many servicemen carry it in the field even though longer uses for military ration opening.

More than "just" a can opener, over the years P-38 acquired 1001 uses: all-purpose toothpick, fingernail cleaner, screwdriver, bottle opener, box cutter, scrapper, digger, letter opener, chisel, scraper, stirrer, etc.

Military Can Opener, Containers & Supplies

Sort by: Product Price Default See details 100 Oxygen Absorbers 500cc Size - 100 Pack These amazing over sized oxygen extra strength absorber packets have totally revolutionized the storage food industry. It used to be that home storage dry pack canning was nearly impossible to do without expensive vacuum packing machines and welder-size bottles of nitrogen to flush the oxygen out...   See details 16" Commercial Sealer This is a must for anybody who is planning on using our Metalized liners. our 16" Commercial Sealer uses ultrasonic vibrations to seal virtually any type plastic bag. See details 5 Tripled Layered Metalized Ziplock Foil Bucket Liners These are the same triple layered liners we use in all of our 6 gallon bulk grain food buckets. They act as vapor, light, and oxygen barriers (when zip locked completely closed to provide an air-tight seal). Designed for 5 to 6 gallon buckets. Measures approx. 20" x 29" Starting At: $55.55 See details 6 Gallon Extra Sturdy Plastic Buckets - 4 Pack 6 Gallon Plastic Buckets - 4 Pack (Additional shipping item. Price includes any extra shipping. If your order does not qualify for free shipping, standard shipping will also be applied at checkout. Thanks) This item includes 4 - 6 gallon plastic buckets with lids! See details Aluminum Lid Lifter Save your fingers and nails! Our commercial quality aluminum lid lifters will make easy work out of opening any standard plastic bucket or pail. Made and built to last a lifetime! See details Gamma Seal Lid - Twist On/Off Bucket Lid Set This is item# is for the BLACK Color Gamma Seal Bucket Lid. Save up to 25% Off! We also offer 6 gallon new (never used) plastic buckets. See details Heavy Duty Bung & Bucket Lid Lifter Save your fingers and nails! Our commercial quality aluminum lid lifters will make easy work out of opening any standard plastic bucket or pail. This heavy duty lid lifter also doubles as a bung wrench to open your water barrels. Made and built to last a lifetime! See details Kerosene Heater/Cooker Our top selling Kerosene Heater/Cooker is ideal for weekend camping and emergency backup… just-in-case. Clean burning with high output. Each unit produces 8,500 BTUs of heat and will operate continuously for 16 hours (.9 gallon tank). Cooking is no sweat with the integrated cooktop ... See details Military P-38 Can Opener NEW for 2008. Unit of 6 Openers The WWII P38 Can Opener is a G.I. folding can opener that is made to original U.S. Government specifications. Our P38 can openers are constructed of cold rolled steel that will not easily bend or break. Our P38 Can Openers are 100% made in... See details Tri-Folding Shovel, Military Style - Extra Sturdy Military type tri-folding shovel. Ideal for camping, gardening, vehicle emergency kits. Can be adjusted to a variety of positions. Collapses down flat for compact storage. All steel construction. Tri-Fold Shovel Features: Tempered Forged Steel Blade Metal Handle ...